MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- A Yuma-based Marine died after accidentally drowning in the Colorado River July 5, 2009.
Lance Cpl. Trevor A. Dewar, 24, was fishing with another Marine approximately one mile east Gateway Park and disappeared when attempting to swim to a sandbar, according to Tony Badilla, the chief of the Quechan Police Department.
The other Marine attempted to help Dewar, but was unable due to strong currents.
Quechan police were called at 6:07 a.m. At 9:19 a.m., the Yuma County Dive Team located Dewar’s body.
Dewar was pronounced dead by the Yuma County medical examiner at 9:23 a.m.
Dewar served as an AV-8B Harrier engine mechanic with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13. A native of Maryville, Tenn., he joined the Marine Corps on Oct. 22, 2007.
Dewar’s personal awards include the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
MALS-13 is planning to hold a memorial service in the near future, but specific times and location are not yet available.
At least five other Marines have died in off-duty swimming mishaps since November 2008, and is the leading cause of off-duty recreational deaths for fiscal year 2009.