FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. – About 200 people gathered Sunday on a Florida beach to mourn a Marine who was killed during a live-fire training exercise at a California desert base.
The Naples Daily News reported that law enforcement officers and veterans joined Marines in saluting Lance Cpl. Austin J. Ruiz of Naples at the service under a gazebo in Lovers Key State Park.
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Emylie Barlow of Naples said her 19-year-old cousin was the first person in the family to enlist in the military. Barlow wore fatigues to the service and said Ruiz had inspired her to enlist in the Marines as well.
Ruiz died Jan. 13 during training involving firearms in preparation for a larger exercise at Twenty-nine Palms Marine Corps base. He was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division and was based in Hawaii.