Marine division in fatal crash had served two tours of duty in Iraq
By: YVETTE URREA - Staff Writer | ∞
A Marine and a Navy corpsman died Wednesday evening when they fell from the Green Valley Bridge after the military vehicle they were in crashed on Interstate 15.
WALDO NILO Staff Photographer
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RANCHO BERNARDO ---- A Marine and a sailor killed Wednesday night in a military vehicle accident on Interstate 15 were identified Thursday by Marine officials, and remembered by friends.
They were: Navy corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class David Sotelo, 22, a native of Murrieta, and Lance Cpl. Christopher Best, 20, a native of Springfield, Mo. and a light armored vehicle crewman.
Both were assigned to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms as part of the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, said Marine 2nd Lt. Joseph King.
"We're greatly saddened by this," King said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families. We all feel the grief."
Jaime Carranza, of Escondido, who was friends with Sotelo, said Sotelo's friends were shocked by the death of the Navy combat medic who was attached to a Marine unit.
"It's pretty shocking really," Carranza said Thursday. "I was just reading one of his blogs, and he's had four near-death experiences (while serving in Iraq). He would tell us just astonishing stories and for him to die in the U.S. (in an accident,) it's shocking."
Sotelo lived in San Diego and Oceanside before moving to Murrieta where his parents and sister live, Carranza said.
Friend Justen Charles of Arkansas said Sotelo served one tour in Iraq. He said his friend would stop to help even wounded enemies in the middle of a firefight.
"He was always putting other people before him," Charles said.
The vehicles were part of a small convoy Wednesday heading to Miramar Marine Corps Air Station for a routine training exercise, King said. They were going south on I-15 when the driver towing the second vehicle lost control at 7:20 p.m. just south of West Bernardo Drive, California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Gregg said.
Best and Sotelo were both thrown 70 feet off the Green Valley Bridge during the collision and died from their injuries. They were riding in the back of the lead light armored vehicle. The vehicle they were in collided with a guard rail and rolled onto its side, hanging partially over the bridge, Gregg said. Sotelo and Best were ejected through a roof hatch that may have been left open, he said.
The two servicemen fell onto a construction site below. One man was dead as firefighters arrived. The second was still alive and was to be flown to a trauma hospital, but he died before the helicopter arrived, San Diego Fire and Life Safety spokesman Maurice Luque said.
Two other Marines were injured, the driver and a passenger, and were taken to Pomerado Hospital where they were treated for their injuries and released, King said. Both were back with their unit Thursday. King said he could not release the extent of their injuries.
The 1st Marine Division has served at least two tours in Iraq but not all the members have deployed overseas, he said. The division was scheduled to depart in the near future, King said.
Carranza said Sotelo wrote on his blog about his experiences in Iraq and about nearly getting run down by a sport utility vehicle his first week there when the driver tried to blow past a roadblock. Later, Sotelo wrote of having his light armored vehicle get hit by some kind of explosive and catch fire, causing a burn injury to his hand.
As a medic Sotelo saved many lives, including a Marine, who later became one of his best friends, Carranza said.
Charles said Sotelo planned to go to Navy SEAL school to fullfill a lifelong dream.
In his personal life, Carranza said Sotelo "was completely charismatic, real open, real friendly (to) just anyone from the street. It might be a bum and he would just go up and talk to him and start hitting it off."
He said Sotelo was fun to be around, and he kept people around him laughing.
"He's one of those guys that, he's more than a brother to you," Charles said.
Contact staff writer Yvette Urrea at (760) 901-4076 or yurrea@nctimes.com. To comment on this story, visit our Web site at www.nctimes.com.
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Bernie wrote on Jan 6, 2006 1:50 AM:Hm3 David Sotelo is one of my favorite nephew. Although he is gone physically, we know for sure, he is present with the Lord Jesus now! David we loved you, & sure your precious memories will be in our minds always, 'til God take us to be with you in God's presence!
Jeremy Case wrote on Jan 6, 2006 10:13 AM:I served with Doc Sotelo in iraq. We were in the same platoon and i witnessed him perform miracles on wounded iraqis and wounded Marines. I loved being around him he was the best doc we had and everyone knew it. i have video of doc while we were in iraq on my cam corder and everytime i see him on it i just remember the great person he was and how he could always make light of any situation..Doc old Blue plt will always love you bro....much love.. Case
johnny wrote on Jan 6, 2006 3:23 PM:hopefully, the investigation will find out what went wrong. was the driver drunk, on drugs, sleepy, or was there a vehicle malfunction? we need to find the truth. our soldiers shouldnt be dying on the highway i drive every day or any day for that matter.
Kristine wrote on Jan 6, 2006 3:41 PM:Not only did I have the privilege of working with him at Balboa, but HM3 Sotelo also took care of a my father when he was in the hospital. He was very charismatic and incredibly friendly and was always a joy to be around. Overall he was a great person and an awesome corpsman! David, you will be missed...
Merltia & Bob wrote on Jan 6, 2006 7:02 PM:God is with you. We will miss your laughter as a little boy. If Vangi needs our help she has only to ask. Mahal Ka Namin David
Tammy wrote on Jan 6, 2006 9:33 PM:I had the pleasure of going to hospital corps school with Sotelo and we both also went to field medical school together. The last time I saw him was in Iraq, and I can say that without a doubt Sotelo is one of the best corpsman I have ever worked with. He was such a caring, and sweet guy, and I am deeply saddened to hear of this terrible tragedy. God Bless him and his family. You will be greatly missed my friend.
JOEL ERA wrote on Jan 7, 2006 4:37 AM:i can still remember the first time we met. in great lakes IL, bootcamp. from then on i considered him as one of my closest friend. we went to corps school together and got stationed on our first duty station together and was my roommate for 3 years and even saw each other in iraq. he wanted us to kinda hang out if i had a free time, but couldn't. if i only knew that will be the last time i'll see him with his contageous smile. and the only thing that hurts me even more is i can't say goodbye to him or even console his family for i'm currently deployed again. he's mom and sister was his strength. tita vangi if you read this i am so sorry for your lost. i wish i can be there.
Kim wrote on Jan 8, 2006 12:28 AM:Devil Doc Sotelo was deffinately a genuine person who cared for everyone who crossed his path. He always had a that grin, and everyone who knows him knows what i'm talking about. Kuya you will forever remain in our hearts. I'm knocking out and crushing the competition in school not only for me but for you too! right now i'm being strong for the week just like you were. See you in a better place.
Joyce Morin wrote on Jan 8, 2006 4:06 PM:I know David since he was 6 years old the last time I saw him. The family moved to Murrieta, Ca and never saw him since then. He was my neighbor in Oceanside. Ate Vangie and Kim I'm sorry for the lost. God bless you David. Your kindness to the people especially to co-military will be missed.
TitaProsy wrote on Jan 8, 2006 7:39 PM:The news stunned me. David and his sister Kim have a special place in my heart. Vangie is a kind-hearted friend. I grieve but draw comfort from the truth that David now rests in Father God's comforting embrace. I still keep the sweet little note that David and Kim gave to me when I was about to leave their place in Murietta in 2000 to go back to the Philippines. Also in my keepsake is a picture taken by David of him and Inay, my mother, who is also very fond of him. When he was in Iraq, I prayed hard for his protection; even wrote him a letter, although I do not know if it reached him. DAVID, enjoy heavenly peace and the company of Father God. Tita Prosy
Jeopardy wrote on Jan 9, 2006 8:04 AM:I served with David, And was both shocked and deeply hurt to hear of his death. To me he was very much a brother. I always felt that David was the better man, in everything he did, I never once saw him take any but the high road. In Iraq where the light of peoples humanity often grows dim, he shone all the brighter. I will miss him very much, but I know he lived well; with love, passion, and a dauntless heart.
pieper wrote on Jan 9, 2006 3:30 PM:Doc. Sotelo. What can I say... As I have served 5 years active duty in the Marines and met a lot of people and been a lot of places. he was the best Doc that I have ever had. I knonw that when I was out of action with an injury he got me the treatment that I required. He was a great man. When ever I was feeling down he was there with a smile, good advice and a cookie under his cover... We will all miss him. My best goes out to his family and firends. Best wishes from the COPPER
Cristina wrote on Jan 10, 2006 3:12 PM:I haven't seen David since highschool.We always had fun and I can honestly say I have never seen this boy afraid or angery at anyone!!He is the nicest guy you could ever meet.I am shocked that someone the same age as myself has passed away so suddenly.My prayers are with his family.I really have no words , but I think everyone needs closure... we need to know what happened to this great man!!!!
THE MECH wrote on Jan 10, 2006 8:39 PM:I was there when the accident happened and i served with him in Iraq. he was the best Doc that i have ever been around. we will never forget you david. rest in peace my brother Cpl Stallings
Tara wrote on Jan 11, 2006 10:21 AM:I never had the honor of knowing either Navy Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class David Sotelo or Lance Cpl. Christopher Best. I want their Families and Friends to know how much, We, as Americans, appreciate what they have done to protect Our Great Country and other countries as well. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank You and may God watch over and help you through this difficult time.
Karen wrote on Jan 13, 2006 5:57 PM:I remember meeting Doc Sotelo at the Marine Corps Ball last November. He was the Senior Line Corpsman for Alpha Company, 3rd LAR. My boyfriend, a SSgt with 3rd LAR and I attended Doc's funeral and buriel yesterday and were so impressed with how many people, military and civillians alike, were in attendance. To Mrs. and Mr. Sotelo, you raised a very honorable young man who I know made you very proud. To Doc's fiancee, you couldn't have loved a more genuine, giving person. To David's family, thank you for your support of his career. To his friends, you were fortunate to have David as a friend. To his fellow Marines and Sailors, be proud that you were able to serve with such an extraordinarily great Devil Doc! Thank you, HM3 David Sotelo for your service to our country! Thank you for saving lives and for touching every person whom you met! I only wish that I could have known you better and that you could have served in Iraq with my boyfriend... God Bless You and God Bless our Marines and Corpsman of the 3rd LAR who are getting ready to deploy!
word. wrote on Jan 18, 2006 4:36 PM:i knew David when i was little. he went to church with me.i remember going to camp with his sister kimberly. crazy to think that he's not here with us anymore.
"DOC" Renteria wrote on Feb 3, 2006 3:39 AM:I am proud to say that "I knew and served with David Sotelo at 29 Palms", even more proud to say, "I served with him in Iraq". We weren't best of friends, but I can truly say we were comrades who did something great in a short amount of time which most people wouldn't know in a lifetime. In my memories, I will save a place for him when I visit San Diego, for we both miss and love her.
Tita Bee wrote on Feb 8, 2006 7:29 PM:The news of David's home going came to me when I was in Israel, the land of Jesus. As a good friend and prayer partner of David's mom, Vangie, we've prayed for David on a regular basis. God's perfect will for David's life is completed in this earth. He is now basking in His everlasting arms and in the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, where there is no more sorrow and dying. His faith in Christ alone by grace alone is a great comfort for me and for David's family in Christ To all of David's friends and acquaintances, The Bible tells us that "for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. What a wonderful words of comfort ! There is hope for those who believe in Christ alone by grace alone. Tita Bee
ancheta wrote on Mar 5, 2006 11:03 PM:i didnt know sotelo for long but i was in balboa hospital with him for a few years. we got to know each other when we were on the hospital ship. we hung out a few times, all the while i knew u were a special one. im still in shock that i find this article because it was posted on myspace. its so sad that it was in a convoy.... rest in peace, dude! ill miss u and the times we hung out. see u on the flipside.....
Gamielle wrote on Aug 26, 2006 12:31 PM:Doc Sotelo, I sometimes can not believe he is gone. David Sotelo was the kind of guy you would want on your team. While serving with David in Iraq, he was always motivated to go out there and get the job done. David was always in a good mood, that no one could ever take from him. The last time I saw David was the day of the accident. I went to visit him in his company office, where he says " Man I have tostart working out with you" I promised him once he gets back from his last field operation we will. I then gives him a hug and told him to take care. A few hours later, I recieved the phone call, I was very shocked. I sometimes cannot believe he is gone, David I love you and one day I will see you at the pearly gates. Always CHOWKING.
HM3 Lugo wrote on Sep 19, 2007 8:34 AM:I just recently found out about David's passing and I can't express how hurt I am. I first met David in Corps school, As his class Adj, I made him our MAA. I saw a quality in him that show true leadership and compassion. We were later roomates at NMCSD San Diego: Me, David, and Joel. He always wanted to be in Special Ops. Seals or Recon. He was one of the best DOCS I have ever had the privilage to work with. It was an honor to serve with him, and I send all my blessings to his family....he will be truly missed! HM3 Lugo -
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