Hero Marine From Fairfield Killed In California Crash

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Marine from Fairfield was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash Friday night in San Diego, California. Sgt. Gary Wilson, 33, of Fairfield, was identified by military officials on Saturday as the victim of the crash, which occurred while he was traveling northbound on I-15 in California. Wilson, who died at the scene, was assigned to 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment in San Diego.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Wilson,” said Brig. Gen. Ryan Heritage, commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult period. This is truly the loss of a fine Marine, and he will be missed greatly."

Wilson was credited with rescuing a woman who was injured in a fiery multi-vehicle crash in September in California, according to KGTV 10News. Wilson, who was on his motorcycle at the time, ran to the burning car and pulled the trapped woman from the car after breaking the driver’s side window. He also went to a second car and rescued another woman, according to KGTV 10News.

Wilson told KGTV 10News that he was just “doing my job as a Marine.”

Wilson enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 2010. He was assigned to the depot as a drill instructor in March of 2016 after service overseas in Okinawa, Japan, and stateside at Camp Pendleton.

Wilson's personal awards include two Good Conduct Medals, three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

The fatal crash is under investigation by the San Diego California Highway Patrol.

With reporting by Hoa Quách, Patch Staff

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