Lejeune Marines die in auto wreck - Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Lejeune Marines die in auto wreck

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Two North Carolina-based Marines are dead and another is in a Pennsylvania hospital after early morning vehicle accident Tuesday.

Pfc. Justin F. Clayton, 18, of Milton, Pa., and Pfc. Caleb A. Rushing, 19, of Denham Springs City, La., died in the 6:40 a.m. wreck on Interstate 81 in Franklin County, according to a Pennsylvania State Police report.

Clayton and Rushing were passengers of Pfc. Timothy J. Miller Jr., 19, of Hughesville, Pa. The Marines were traveling back to Camp Lejeune after the holiday weekend break.

Miller was headed south on I-81 in a Toyota 4-Runner, when the vehicle ran across the median into northbound lanes and turned on its side, where it was struck by four tractor-trailers, according to authorities. Miller was flown to York Hospital.

Rushing was with Camp Lejeune’s 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, and Clayton was with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, according to a 2nd Marine Division press release. Both Marines were infantrymen who joined the Corps just days apart last July.

Additional information about Miller was not released.

Authorities have not determined the cause of the crash. According to a local media report, icy conditions have contributed to recent crashes along that stretch of interstate.