TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- A marine from Avon was pronounced dead after he was injured during a vehicle rollover, according to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in California.
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Jerry L. Betzold, a 26-year-old Avon resident, died on Sunday from injuries as a result of a vehicle rollover involving a high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle. The rollover occurred during a training exercise on Saturday.
Officials from the center said in a post on social media that Betzold was transported to a nearby hospital after he sustained "severe injuries" during the rollover. After he was medically evacuated to a Palm Springs hospital, he was pronounced dead.
Betzold first joined the U.S. Marine Corps in August 2016 and was promoted to staff sergeant in March. The post said that Betzold had many decorations, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medial, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.
"Staff Sergeant Jerry Betzold represents all that is good and pure in our nation and Corps," Tactical Training Exercise Control Group Director Col. David Hart, said in the post. "He tragically lost his life while working to ensure our combat formations remain ready when the nation needs them. His loss is deeply felt across our Marine Corps family. Our hearts and full support will remain with his family and friends as we all navigate this extremely difficult time."
Avon Schools released the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. — 2015 Avon High School graduate — Jerry Betzold. Our hearts go out to his parents, brothers John (AHS class of 2013) and James (AHS class of 2018), friends, fellow Marines, and loved ones. We offer them all our sympathy and condolences."