Private First Class Tanner F. Rubio was a young Marine with a big heart who grew up in Dixon, California. In January 2025, he chose to serve his country by joining the United States Marine Corps.
He trained hard and became an infantry rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. His family and friends were proud of the dedication he showed every step of the way.
On December 3, 2025, Pfc. Rubio was taking part in a regular training exercise at Camp Pendleton in Southern California when something went terribly wrong. A tactical vehicle mishap occurred, and Pfc. Rubio was badly hurt.
He died from his injuries that same day. The accident happened during routine training and was not connected to Steel Knight 25, according to a statement from the Marines Corps.
Pfc. Rubio was just 21 years old, and his loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him. In an interview with CBS News Sacramento, Pfc. Rubio's uncle Fermin Rubio said, "Tanner was a great kid… I’m so proud of him for what he did. Tanner, at 21, became more of a man then most men are at 50."
"The gratitude for everyone who is reaching out to us, and love and support, has been amazing," Pfc. Rubio's father Mark added.
Maj. Gen. Thomas Savage, the commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, said, "The tragic loss of Pfc. Rubio is one felt across the 1st Marine Division. He will be sorely missed, but his honorable service to his country will not be forgotten. All of us at the Blue Diamond will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers."
Because of Pfc. Rubio, the family said they are forever a Marine family. The Marine Corps said that the investigation into the accident is ongoing.
