Chico Marine death

Chico High grad and Marine private Casey Holmes was killed Monday (March 11) during a training exercise when he was struck by a tank on the Twentynine Palms Marine base in Southern California. Holmes graduated from Chico High in 2011, joined the Marines last May and completed basic training in August.

A family representative told KHSL-TV news that Holmes (pictured) was stationed in Hawaii and had last visited Chico at Christmas. He was said to be a gifted athlete in high school and considered among the most physically fit in his Marine company.

The family released the following statement: “Casey is remembered for his tenacity of spirit and his loving nature. Casey dearly loved his family and friends. Casey was happy to serve his country and was proud of his success in the Marine Corps.”