THE MARINES CORNER

[EZ2]

Marines Slain in Chattanooga Shooting Identified--3rd Update

DOW JONES & COMPANY, INC. 2:15 PM ET 07/17/15
By Jon Kamp, Cam McWhirter and Valerie Bauerlein

As authorities investigate Thursday's Chattanooga, Tenn., shootings, the four U.S. Marines who were slain were identified Friday.

Thomas Sullivan, a native of Springfield, Mass and reportedly 40 years old., was named by that city's mayor, Domenic Sarno. Skip Wells, 21 and a native of Marietta, Ga., was identified by family spokesman Andrew Kingery.

David Wyatt, 35, of Hixson, Tenn., and Carson Holmquist of Grantsburg, Wis, were named by a U.S. official.

"It is with great sadness that I offer my condolences to the parents and family of Sgt. Thomas Sullivan," Mr. Sarno said in a statement Friday. "This is a tragic loss not just for the Springfield community but for our entire nation. Sgt. Sullivan dedicated his life in brave service to his country and to see it end under such tragic circumstances is heart breaking."

The mayor said during a televised news conference that he learned of the death early Friday morning. "It was stunning news," he added.

Mr. Sullivan was 40 years old, the Springfield Republican newspaper reported. His family members couldn't be reached for immediate comment.

"Rest In Peace Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan," read a Facebook post for Nathan Bill's Bar & Restaurant, which the paper said is co-owned by Mr. Sullivan's brother Joe.

"Anyone who went to Holy Cross School, Cathedral High School or grew up in the East Forest Park knew who Tommy was," said the post, which also included an Irish blessing. "He was our hero and he will never be forgotten. Please keep his family & friends in your thoughts & prayers. Thank you Tommy for protecting us."

Cathedral High said in a Facebook post This morning it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our Cathedral brother, Thomas Sullivan `94."

"The senseless violence that occurred in Tennessee is a terrible tragedy made worse by the fact that the brave individuals whose lives were taken answered the call to serve and protect our nation," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement.

One of the other victims, Mr. Wells, had attended Georgia Southern University for a short time, but felt a calling to join the Marines, according to Andrew Kingery, the family spokesman. Mr. Kingery added the family is in a state of " shock and grief."

"You understand when your son's in service that there's risk involved," he said, but "you certainly don't expect it in Chattanooga. "

Mr. Wells was remembered by his friends on Facebook as a devoted Marine and a loving person. His Facebook page had photos posted of himself in fatigues and sunglasses during recent training. The page also had posts that frequently referred to the honor of serving one's country.

A friend, Caitlin Shusko, said that Mr. Wells was "the most courageous and honorable guy" she knew. "All he wanted to do was serve his country, " she said, in an interview. "We all lost a hero yesterday."

Mr. Holmquist of Grantsburg, Wis, another of the four Marines who were killed, "was very energetic, probably the bright star of his family," according to Larry Ebersold, a volunteer at the local library.

Mr. Holmquist enjoyed outdoor activities including ice fishing, Mr. Ebersold said.

Mr. Ebersold added the close-knit town with a population of 1,400 is in mourning after the shooting, and he called for stronger action by the U.S. against Islamist terrorists. "I think we'd better wake up."

Family members of another victim, Mr. Wyatt of Hixson, Tenn., couldn't be reached for comment, but they shared condolences on Facebook profile pages believed to belong to Mr. Wyatt and his wife, Lorri. One photo showed a uniformed Mr. Wyatt with his arms around two young children, who each held American flags.

A sheriff deputy's car was outside of the Wyatt home late Friday morning. An U.S. Flag hung over the garage of the two-story home about a 10-minute drive from the home of the alleged shooter. Through sheriff's deputies, the family declined to talk.

Neighbor Van Thornton said as soon as he heard about the shooting Thursday, he called a friend in the police department. "We all wondered if it was David," he said. The friend told him Mr. Wyatt had been identified by his dog tags. He said Mr. Wyatt's wife didn't get final word of her husband's death until about 5:30 p.m., Thursday.

Mr. Thornton said Mr. Wyatt, who moved to the street a few years ago, was "a family man. He was always working in his yard, like we all are." Mr. Thornton also confirmed that the Wyatts had small children.

Jim Carlton, Dion Nissenbaum and Lindsay Ellis contributed to this article.

Write to Jon Kamp at [e-mail] and Valerie Bauerlein at [e-mail]

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
07-17-151415ET
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