Today, Governor Rick Scott issued a statement in response to the death of Floridian Lance Cpl. Austin Ruiz following a training accident. Lance Cpl. Ruiz, 19, of Naples, Florida, served as a combat engineer with 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. Governor Scott will honor the memory and sacrifice of Lance Cpl. Ruiz by ordering the lowering of flags in the coming days.
Governor Scott said, “Ann and I are heartbroken to hear of the loss of Floridian and U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Austin Ruiz. Like all of our incredible servicemen and women, Austin put his life on the line in order to defend our families and our freedom, and we will do all we can to honor his sacrifice. We join all Floridians in mourning for this fallen hero and praying for his many loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. We hope that they may find comfort in remembering Austin’s bravery and dedication to selflessly serving our country.”
