Gierke died when the military vehicle he was traveling in crashed. | Pixabay
Gierke died when the military vehicle he was traveling in crashed. | Pixabay
Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Gierke of Lawrenceville died while on active duty in North Carolina when the military vehicle he was traveling in crashed.
"He was my training officer, in my first year in the program," Sabrina Arnett, a classmate of Gierke, told Fox 5 Atlanta. "He taught me everything I really needed to know to be where I was when I graduated. Overall, he was an amazing person. He always made me smile even if I was upset."
The Collins Hill High School graduate started his career in the military as an ROTC cadet while in high school, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Pfc. Zachary W. Riffle of West Virginia was also killed in the crash.
"He was probably one of the best mentors I had," Arnett said of Gierke. "He was the light in the dark for almost everybody in our group."
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is among those publicly paying respects to Gierke, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.
"His desire to serve & protect this country, especially at such a young age, represents the best of us," Kemp said on Twitter. "He & his family are in our hearts & prayers as we join in mourning his passing."
The accident occurred when a military truck Gierke and Riffle were riding in flipped over after failing to make a turn, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. A roadside vigil honoring the deceased has been set up.
"My sincerest heartfelt condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of the Marines who lost their lives or were injured in Wednesday's vehicle mishap," Brig. Gen. Forrest C. Poole III said in a press release. "Our commanders, chaplains, and medical providers are diligently supporting our Marines and Sailors during this time. We deeply appreciate all of the thoughtful community messages we have received over the past several days."
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