Marine found dead in Pendleton barracks room

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — A Hawaii-based Marine attending an enlisted professional military education academy in California was pronounced dead Wednesday morning after he was found unresponsive in his barracks room.

The Corps is investigating the death of the Marine, who was assigned to Headquarters Battalion out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, according to a news release. He was temporarily assigned to Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he checked into the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy on Monday to attend the Advanced Career Course.

Officials are withholding the Marine's name until 24 hours after the next of kin have been notified.

Gunnery sergeants or staff sergeants who've been selected for promotion to gunny typically attend the Advanced Career Course the Marine was scheduled to complete.

The Marine was found unresponsive at about 8 a.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical responders, the release states. No additional details were immediately available.

"Marine Corps Base Hawaii is saddened by the loss of one of its Marines, and condolences go out to family and loved ones," the release states.