Marines

Procession held for Riverside Marine killed on duty in New Mexico

Cpl. Albert Aguilera and two others were in a vehicle accident while supporting Joint Task Force Southern Border operations.

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The body of a Riverside Marine who was killed last month while on duty in New Mexico was returned to California on Monday.

A procession was held to honor the life of 22-year-old Cpl. Albert Aguilera, 22. The somber remembrance began at Ontario International Airport and hundreds of people lined the route for one final salute.

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Aguilera, along with two others, was in a vehicle accident while supporting Joint Task Force Southern Border operations on April 15 in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The vehicle the trio was traveling in dropped into a 10-foot ditch and rolled over along a narrow highway, killing Aguilera and another Marine.

“He’s brave for going honestly, because they told us he volunteered,” said Priyanka Fonseca, the man’s cousin. “I’m really proud of him and I hope he knows it because I hold him so close to my heart. Forever and always.”

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Aguilera enlisted in March of 2023 and was promoted to lance corporal in May of 2024. He was stationed in Camp Pendleton.

His family held a private ceremony in Menifee. They have not announced where the Marine will be buried.

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