US Marine “Coyote” identified as casualty in fatal incident

A US Marine Staff Sergeant has died from injuries caused by a vehicle rollover at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.

26-year-old Staff Sgt. Jerry L. Betzold, from Avon, Indiana, was identified on July 30 as the Marine who succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.

Betzold died at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs on July 28 after being injured the previous day during a training exercise at the base. Initially treated at Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms, he was later flown to Palm Springs for further care.

At the time of the mishap, Betzold was driving a high-mobility multi-purpose vehicle on one of the training ranges when the HMMWV rolled over, causing severe injuries.

Capt. Johnathon Huizar confirmed that Betzold was the sole occupant of the “Humvee,” which has long been a workhorse of the US Military.

Betzold was described by Capt. Huizar as an experienced Infantry Marine who played a crucial role in mentoring, teaching, and coaching younger Marines at the base. Part of a group called the “Coyotes,” the experienced Marines in the unit wear neon-orange flak jackets and are responsible for planning, running, and assessing training exercises to ensure Marines are prepared for their missions.

Coyotes are known for their dedication, often working long hours, especially during service-level training events when various Marine units converge on the base for advanced training. The Coyotes are often chosen for their experience and their commitment to preparing Marines for combat.

According to the OC Register, Colonel David Hart, director of Tactical Training Exercise Control Group, praised Betzold in a statement.

“Staff Sergeant Jerry Betzold represents all that is good and pure in our nation and Corps,” he wrote. “He tragically lost his life while working to ensure our combat formations remain ready when the nation needs them.”

Hart expressed the profound impact of Betzold’s loss on the Marine Corps family, offering condolences and support to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enlisting in the Marines on August 15, 2016, Betzold trained as an Infantry Marine and was deployed to Okinawa in 2021 with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, based at Twentynine Palms.

In March of 2024, the Marine was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant, and only had a few month’s time in grade at the time of his demise.

As always, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is investigating the incident, and will seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle rollover.

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