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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement after the death of a Marine recruit Friday at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. In March, Dingell’s constituent Raheel Siddiqui of Taylor, Michigan died during training camp at Parris Island following recurrent physical and verbal abuse by instructors. In October, another recruit suffered serious injuries after falling two stories and remains in serious condition.

“I was deeply disturbed to learn of the recent incidents at Parris Island, including the death of a second recruit. Since the death of Raheel Siddiqui earlier this year, I’ve been working to get answers for his family and ensure the Marine Corps has processes in place to prevent a tragedy like this from happening again. I want the facts on Friday’s tragedy, but the loss of a second recruit raises serious questions. I am committed to getting to the root of this issue. The men and women who sign up to serve our country should not be dying in boot camp, and this third incident within eight months must be investigated thoroughly and expeditiously. I have already reached out to my colleagues in the Congress from Michigan to help ensure that.”

Dingell has been in constant communication with the Marine Corps since Private Siddiqui’s death on March 18, 2016. She wrote General Neller seeking further clarification on the circumstances surrounding Siddiqui’s death, and consistently pressed for additional information about the investigation into drill instructors and senior leadership at Parris Island. Upon completion, the Marine Corps investigation revealed deviations from established policies and procedures for Marine Corps recruit training. Twenty Recruit Training Regiment personnel have been identified for possible military justice or administrative action.