CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colorado — Private First Class (PFC) Christopher Hutchings, a young marine from Buena Vista, was pronounced dead in his barracks on Sun. Feb. 5. PFC Hutchings was stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. The cause of his death is under investigation by the NCIS.
Major Mason Englehart, the Director of Communication Strategy and Operations with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, told News5 the following:
PFC Christopher Hutchings was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 372, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. His death is still under investigation at this time. We take all loss of life very seriously and extend our deepest condolences to those affected. He was a valued member of the MWSS-372 “Diamondbacks” family and is missed greatly.
On Feb. 16, the Buena Vista Police Department helped escort Hutching's body back to his hometown.
Jeff Houston with NCIS Public Affairs made the following statement:
I can confirm that NCIS is conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Private First Class Christopher Hutchings, as we do in response to any non-combat, medically unattended fatalities of Department of the Navy service members. Out of respect for the investigative process, NCIS will not comment further while the investigation remains ongoing.
A full funeral service including full military honor will be held in Buena Vista on Sunday, February 26, 2023.
Prior to the funeral, local emergency responders will participate in a procession to honor him. Response vehicles will leave the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office in Salida at approximately 12:30 pm proceeding westbound on W 3rd St to Highway 291, northbound on Highway 291 then northbound on Highway 285 to Buena Vista, eastbound on Main Street and southbound on S Railroad St to the Buena Vista High School for the services.
Citizens are being asked to line the routes waving either the US Flag or US Marine Corp Flags to assist in honoring Hutchings.
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