The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is looking into the death of a Marine who worked as security at an embassy in the Nigerian capital.
According to a Facebook post made on Monday by the Marine Security Guard page,the deceased, Cpl. Elwin Ramirez, was working at the American embassy in Abuja.
“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Cpl. Ramirez’s family and friends, and we ask that you please respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the post read.
“I can confirm that NCIS is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Cpl. Elwin Ramirez, as we do in response to any non-combat, medically unattended deaths of Department of the Navy service members,” Jeff Houston, an NCIS spokesperson, told Marine Corps Times. “Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation continues.”
When asked when Ramirez passed away, the Marine Corps chose not to provide a response in print. According to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, a Marine carry team transported his remains to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on Thursday.
Ramirez was an infantry Marine from Lodi, California, who “excelled in MSG School,” according to a Facebook post from the Marine Security Guard. Prior to moving to Abuja, he served at Detachment Valletta in Malta. According to the MSG post, his unit is completely working with the NCIS inquiry.
