LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Joseph Whaley, a marine, from Columbia, Tennessee, died during a nighttime training drill at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California on Thursday, August 17.

Officials reportedly confirmed Whaley's death, which marked a somber event in the military community.

Who was Joseph Whaley?

Whaley, who had graduated from Columbia Central High School in 2022, was participating in a live-fire training exercise at the School of Infantry-West located on the California base.

This particular school is one of two facilities where aspiring Marines receive intensive training to prepare them for combat scenarios.

Whaley decided to enlist right after graduating from high school in May 2022, Sgt Blake Inlow told WSMV.

While the exact circumstances of Whaley's death are still under investigation, Maj Joshua J Pena confirmed the unfortunate incident. An investigation has been launched to uncover details surrounding the marine's death.

“An investigation into the circumstances of the death is ongoing and the command is fully cooperating with the investigation efforts,” Pena wrote in an email to KTLA.

“[School of Infantry – West] is providing support to the family and peers of the deceased during this difficult time,” he added.

Eight marines and sailor killed in exercise in 2020

In July 2020, a training session involving an amphibious assault vehicle turned disastrous off the coast of San Clemente Island. The vehicle, carrying 16 individuals, sank in 385ft of water, leading to the deaths of eight marines and one sailor.

While seven marines were rescued the bodies of eight marines and a sailor were recovered later during underwater search operations.