Parris Island Marine Dies: 911 Logs Raise Questions

Tragedy recently struck Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The base, located in South Carolina, posted this statement on its Facebook page."On Friday, June 4th, Private First Class Dalton Beals passed away during the conduct of The Crucible with the new Marines of Echo Company. Our deepest condolences go out to Dalton’s family and to the Marines and staff of Echo Company. The cause of death is currently under investigation."However, new developments uncovered by The Island Packet suggest there may be more to this than mere accident. Their report stated:"In five frantic 911 calls for help that Beaufort County received on June 4 between 3:39 p.m. and 5:14 p.m., at least two additional Marines also were suffering from heat injuries, records show. They survived."The Marine Corps has many regulations that govern training in excessive heat. As well as strict guidelines for the hydration of recruits.

This begs the question, "What is goin on at Parris Island?"

The Island Packet has also reported that 8 recruits have died as a result of their time aboard Parris Island since 2004. Furthermore, one Drill Instructor also died at the base in 2014. To read the full list, click here.The Marine Corps has declined further requests for information. Consequently, the Parris Island (P.I) Twitter account has made no mention on the incident.

In Memoriam

Beals graduated Pennsville Memorial High School in 2020. The New Jersey native was 19 years old when he passed. Pennsville Memorial High School made the following statement:"Pennsville High School Community:The flags at the Pennsville High School Memorial and Stadium Complex will be flown at half staff in honor of the memory and service of PMHS 2020 Graduate and United States Marine Dalton Beals. Dalton died serving his country this past Friday, June 4th. As Pennsville High School is a Memorial School, his sacrifice to his country will forever be memorialized along with those who have gone before him, George Callan (Class of 62), and William Keeler (Class of 66)."[caption id="attachment_23522" align="alignnone" width="681"]

Dalton Beals, picture from Pennsville High School[/caption]New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy tweeted, "In honor and memory of United States Marine Private First Class Dalton Beals, of Pennsville, our state flags are flying at half-staff today. Private First Class Beals’ loss is a loss for our entire state and our nation. May he rest in peace and honor."

P.I. & The Crucible

Parris Island, an 8,095-acre base, is home to half of the Corp's basic training. The other half being Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.The first Crucible event occurred in December 1996. Parris Island has stated, "Gen. Krulak envisioned it as a culminating event that would develop the mental, physical, and moral strength of the new Marines."Stay tuned to American Grit for more news, stories and updates on stories that matter.