WASHINGTON -- The father of a 24-year old D.C. Marine who died in a California training accident Thursday says the military must do more to stop the rising tide of training deaths among US forces.
“We’re not seeking revenge. That’s not in our hearts,” said Michael H C McDowell. “We are seeking to prevent the next Conor McDowell pointlessly dying.”
First Lt. Hugh “Conor” McDowell was thrown from the turret of a light armored vehicle he was commanding as the 13-ton machine rolled over while on maneuvers at Camp Pendleton Thursday.
He was crushed when the vehicle toppled on him, his father said.
Non-combat training deaths killed 80 service members in FY 2019 compared to 21 who died in combat operations, according to a recent report to Congress reported by Military.com.
Congressional investigators say they are concerned that the pace of 18 years of continuous warfare has left equipment in poor condition and may be contributing to accidents.
Light armored vehicles are notorious for rollover incidents because of the top-heavy armor mounted over high-profile wheels that allow the machines to navigate rough terrain, according to Canadian media reports following at least 8 deaths and 13 injuries in that country’s armed forces.
At Camp Pendleton in California, McDowell was the second Marine to die in less than a month’s time in a vehicle rollover incident.
Six were injured in the accident that killed McDowell.
Conor McDowell was born in D.C. and attended schools from Lafayette Elementary to St. John’s College High School, his family said.
He went on to attend The Citadel and majored in history before joining the Marines.
McDowell was fascinated with military service, adventure and history since the age of 8, his mother Susan Flanigan said, recalling how she read passages from ‘The Odyssey’ at bedtime when he was a child.
“His eyes would light up,” Flanigan said. “You could see that’s what he wanted.”
McDowell was also inspired by stories of his grandfather, who fought with British forces in North Africa and Europe during World War II.
“He was a warrior,” his father said, adding that McDowell stood against bullying and prejudice from a young age.
McDowell was determined, deeply principled and romantic, according to his fiancé Kathleen Bourque.
“He was such a light in this world,” Bourque said.
The couple were preparing to announce their engagement this month.
McDowell’s family will escort his body home to D.C. Wednesday.
They are planning for his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.