JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — According to the Washington State Patrol, Tolentino was on a shuttle returning to JBLM after picking up soldiers from the 7th Infantry Division who had returned from Afghanistan.
The shuttle slammed into a concrete barrier and a light pole at about 4:30 p.m. in Pierce County.
Authorities said 10 soldiers were on board during the collision. Four were released after the crash, five were injured, one was in stable condition and Tolentino died from his injuries.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Pvt. Tolentino's family and friends in the midst of this tragedy," said Lt. Col. Douglas Brown, commander, 14th Eng. Bn. "Our focus now is on caring for the injured and supporting the soldiers' loved ones."
According to JBLM officials, Tolentino was from Skokie, Ill. and was a member of 22nd Engineer Clearance Company, 14th Eng. Battalion, 555th Eng. Brigade, 7th Infantry Division.
During the night of the crash, Tolentino was serving on the company’s rear detachment at JBLM and was facilitating transportation of soldiers returning home from deployment.
KIRO
