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One Missing Marine Found Drowned After Rollover

By Capt. M.M. McClung

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - The body of one Marine was recovered today in the search for three service members missing as a result of a vehicle rollover near Al Asad April 2, bringing the total number of dead to six. The deaths were not a result of enemy action.

The official cause of death is listed as drowning. The Marine was assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7.

The search effort is ongoing for the remaining Marine and Sailor, both assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group.

"We have suffered a loss, but we are thankful to have recovered one of our missing Marines today. We continue to use all the resources available to find our two remaining service members. Our thoughts are with all the families touched by this incident," said Marine spokesman Lt. Col. Bryan Salas.

The U.S. Marine Corps 7-ton truck was on a combat logistics convoy in Al Anbar Province with eight Marines and one Navy corpsman on board when it rolled over in a flash flood.

One Marine was injured as a result of the accident. He was transported to Al Asad Surgical for observation and was returned to duty on April 3.

The names of the deceased and missing are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

Source: Multi-National Force-West