The US Marine who was fatally struck by a truck while assisting accident victims on the side of a California freeway Monday morning has been identified.
Lance Cpl. Alberto Lucio, 20, was killed on the side of Interstate 5, in Oceanside, about 55 miles north of Mexico, military officials said Tuesday.
Lucio pulled over around 3:20 a.m. to help a couple that had stalled their SUV after a single-vehicle accident that left the vehicle’s lights disabled. The young Marine and the SUV were then hit by an “international box truck,” officials said.
“Lance Cpl. Lucio performed a noble and selfless act by stopping on Interstate 5 to provide critical aid to a person in need,” said Col. John Black, commanding officer, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton.
“Lance Cpl. Lucio gave his life in the service of others. His actions epitomized servant leadership and personified the very best in our emergency services personnel. Please honor Lance Cpl. Lucio’s memory through your actions, words and deeds.”
Lucio, a Tennessee native, had earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, officials said.
The man who was driving the SUV was expected to be arrested for multiple felonies after he and his passenger were treated at the hospital, according to police.
With Post wires
