Marine Corps IDs 7 Killed in Nevada Mortar Accident

The Marine Corps has released the names of the seven Marines accidentally killed in a live-fire exercise in Nevada on Monday, reports the Los Angeles Times. Eight people were also injured, one very seriously, although their identities have not been released. The victims were all based in Camp Lejeune, NC. A 60-millimeter mortar system "failed to function as designed," according to the unit's commanding officer, who praised first responders for actions that were "nothing short of heroic."

The dead are: Pfc. Joshua M. Martino, 19, of Clearfield , Pa.; Lance Cpl. David P. Fenn II, 20, of Polk City, Fla.; Lance Cpl. Roger W. Muchnick Jr., 23, of Fairfield, Conn.; Lance Cpl. Joshua C. Taylor, 21, of Marietta, Ohio; Lance Cpl. Mason J. Vanderwork, 21, of Hickory, N.C.; Lance Cpl. William T. Wild IV, 21, of Anne Arundel, Md.; and Cpl. Aaron J. Ripperda, 26, of Madison, Ill. The AP has a profile of each of the Marines here. (More live-fire exercise stories.)