3 Marines found dead in vehicle at North Carolina gas station died of carbon monoxide poisoning

The three Marine lance corporals who were found dead in a vehicle at a North Carolina gas station Sunday died of carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities said.

Autopsies conducted Wednesday determined the cause of death for the three Marines, who have been identified as Lance Cpl. Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin; Lance Cpl. Merax C. Dockery, 23, of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma; and Lance Cpl. Ivan R. Garcia, 23, of Naples, Florida.

Sheriff Alan W. Cutler said he was saddened by the "timeless and tragic death of these three young men, who served our country honorably."

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and colleagues during this time," he said in a statement.