Marines Identify Rifleman Killed in NWS Accident

By Sam Thrift Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Marine officials have released more information about the Tuesday morning accident that left one Marine dead and two others injured after a vehicle hit them during their formation run around 6:45 a.m. on Halstead Road at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

Cpl. Chad M. Smith, 23-year-old rifleman of New Milford, Pa., died at Mary Immaculate Medical Center in Newport News from injuries sustained in the accident, according to Mark Piggott, public affairs officer at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. Smith joined the Marine Corps Jan. 2009 and was promoted to the rank of corporal in February. His awards include the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Injured was Sgt. Brandon J. Hamilton, a 27-year-old motor vehicle operator from Merced, Calif. He was admitted to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News and is currently listed in fair condition. Hamilton has been a Marine since 2003 and has been deployed to Iraq three times.

Pfc. Tyler R. Cannon, a 19-year-old rifleman from Jacksonville, Fla., was treated at and released from Riverside Tuesday. Cannon joined the Marines in November 2010.

The Marines are assigned to 2nd Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Company, Marine Security Force Regiment, according to Piggott.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the Marine killed this morning aboard Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, as well as those injured,” said Captain Lowell D. Crow, commanding officer of the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, in a statement Tuesday. “Our immediate concern is taking care of the families and assisting the command through this tragedy.”

Naval Criminal Investigative Service is investigating the cause of the accident.