South Jersey Mourns Marine Who Died In Basic Training

PENNSVILLE, NJ — The community is mourning the loss of a U.S. Marine from South Jersey who died during a basic training exercise last week.

Private First Class Dalton Beals, of Pennsville, died in a training accident at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, according to officials.

“Private First Class Beals was beloved by his family, his community, and his state,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in announcing that flags would be flown half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Wednesday. “His recent passing is a tragic loss for New Jersey and for our country. Pfc. Beals had his whole life and his career ahead of him, and I know that he would have continued to serve with distinction, honor, and bravery. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pfc. Beals' family and friends during this painful time.”

Beals was part of Echo Company, PLT 2040 at Parris Island, S.C. and was set to graduate on June 18, according to an online fundraiser.

“Dalton Beals was a son, a brother, a friend of many an incredible athlete and a United States Marine,” Haley McMenamin said in a GoFundMe page she launched. “His amazing mother described him as ‘the most sincere, kindhearted, sweet and amazing young man.’”

All proceeds will go to the family to make arrangements and take the time to be together as a family.

The exercise in which Beals died is known as “The Crucible,” according to the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Dalton’s family and to the Marines and staff of Echo Company,” the corps said in a post on social media. “The cause of death is currently under investigation.”

“The Crucible” is a 54-hour test of physical and mental endurance, according to the Task and Purpose, a publication that covers military news. Beals will be honored as a Marine posthumously.

Beals graduated from Pennsville Memorial High School last year, according to the school’s Facebook page. He played football and was a wrestler at the school.

“Dalton was a kid everyone liked,” Pennsville football coach Mike Healy told NJ Advance Media. “Coaching him was one of the biggest pleasures I had. He would do anything you asked him to do. He was invincible, never got hurt, he was able to fight through everything.”