Three young US Marines were found dead inside a parked car at a gas station in North Carolina on Sunday morning, July 23, authorities confirmed.

The unfortunate incident was announced following Wednesday’s autopsies by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s office, revealing that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death. Sgt. Chester Ward from the Pender County Sheriff’s Department provided information about the lack of evidence regarding foul play or drug use but did not conclusively state that the fatalities were accidents.

After being alerted about a missing person, deputies found the lifeless bodies of the Marines in a sedan parked at a Speedway convenience store in Hampstead, approximately 60 miles from Camp Lejeune. The bodies were discovered around 9 a.m.

The deceased were identified as Lance Corporals Merax Dockery, 23, of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma; Tanner Kaltenberg, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin; and Ivan Garcia, 23, of Naples, Florida.

The commanding officer of the Second Marine Logistics Group, Brigadier General Michael McWilliams, extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, friends, and comrades of the deceased Marines, ensuring them of the Marine Corps’ support during this challenging period.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths are currently under investigation by the Marine Corps, with additional details yet to be disclosed.