Marine Who Died At Camp Lejeune Remembered In Sutter

SUTTER (CBS13) — Family and friends are remembering a Marine whose death during a training exercise is under investigation.

Alex Alcaraz was a high-school leader in Sutter when he graduated four years ago, leaving a legacy his principal is proud of.

Alcaraz collapsed during a training exercise at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. His death has left the small community of Sutter stunned.

Principal Ryan Robison knows every student who walks through campus, and he says he knew then that Alcaraz was special.

"He stood out, and he stood out because of his actions. and he's very passionate. Especially on the drum line," he said.

Yearbook photos show Alcaraz exuded school spirit. He ran the school's drumline. That drumline had no instructor; instead Alcaraz taught his classmates how to play.

Alcaraz will be memorialized on the school's military hall of fame, and the drumline will likely hold a special performance to honor him.

Alcaraz is one of two Marines who died at Camp Lejeune in back-to-back days last week.