United States Department of Defense

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Richard P. Slocum, 19, of Saugus, Calif., died Oct 24 due a non-combat related vehicle accident near Abu Gharib, Iraq. He was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment, 3^rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base, Hawaii.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact the Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, Public Affairs Office at (808) 257-8840 or (808) 257-8839.