A statement by City of Jacksonville Mayor, Sammy Phillips:
On behalf of the City of Jacksonville and the City Council, we mourn the loss of the two Marines who died on January 19, 2022. Their death is deeply felt in our community.
In a release by 2nd Marine Logistics Group earlier today, it was announced that Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jonathan E Gierke, 19, from Lawrenceville, Georgia and Marine Corps Private First Class Zachary W Riffle, 18, from Kingwood, West Virginia lost their lives following the tactical vehicle rollover that occurred on January 19 at the intersection of North Carolina Highway 210 and US Highway 17 near Jacksonville. Both Marines were landing support specialists with the Combat Logistics Battalion 24, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gierke and Riffle families and friends as well as to all the families who have those injured or are fighting for their lives. The City of Jacksonville shares in your loss. We are One City, One Community and One Marine family.
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