SAN DIEGO - A family is speaking out after their son died at Camp Pendleton.
Marine Corps Private First Class Javier Pong collapsed during an exercise on September 27th and was hospitalized on base where he later died. His father Fabian Pong of Las Cruces New Mexico tells reporting partner 10 News he and his son had a special bond.
"He stuck by my side [through] hard times and was always there with me," Fabian said.
Fabian says Javier was an excellent athlete who played football and loved to work on cars. His son's ultimate goal was to become a Marine. Fabian says he's proud of his son for following his dreams and "he will be remembered as a hero in my heart."
The Marine Corps has not yet released a cause of death.
Photo: United States Marine Corps