Watch CBS News

3 Camp Pendleton Marines Killed, 1 Critically Injured In Dana Point Car Crash

DANA POINT (CBS) — A speeding car crashed into a tree in Dana Point early Tuesday, killing three U.S. Marines based out of Camp Pendleton and critically injuring a fourth, authorities said.

The Dodge Stratus crashed at Golden Lantern Street just past Terra Vista at 2:05 a.m., said Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.

Two men died at the scene, and one died at a hospital, Amormino said. The fourth man was hospitalized in critical condition at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

KNX 1070's Ron Kilgore reports a former Marine honored his fallen comrades by placing a hat at the scene with a makeshift memorial.

Podcast

"Once a Marine, always a Marine, that's what we stand by," said Christopher Hillbert. "It's just one way I can show them my respects."

Names and other information on the victims have not been released.

Authorities were trying to determine if alcohol was a factor in the crash, Amormino said.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.