The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pvt. Elijah M. Ortega, 19, of Oxnard, Calif., died Sept. 26 as result of a non-hostile gunshot wound at Camp Baharia, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The incident is currently under investigation.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.