The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Neil D. Petsche, 21, of Lena, Ill., died Dec. 21 due to injuries received in a non-hostile vehicle incident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Petsche was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this Marine contact the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Public Affairs Office at (760) 830-6213.