Friends & Family Mourn Loss Of Severna Park Marine Killed In Nevada Training Exercise
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- We're learning more about a Severna Park Marine--killed in a training exercise in Nevada.
Monique Griego spoke with those who knew 21-year-old Taylor Wild IV.
Friends and family are still dealing with their loss, but say Wild at least died doing what he loved.
A devastating loss. This week friends and family learned 21-year-old Lance Corporal Taylor Wild of Severna Park was one of seven Marines killed in a training accident at an Army base in Nevada.
"It just kind of hit me. I was very, very shocked. I didn't believe it. I still kind of don't believe it," said Bobby Ross.
Bobby Ross was one of Wild's closest friends. The two were both athletes at Severna Park High School before graduating in 2010. He says Wild's death affected the entire community.
"I miss him, everybody does. It's going to be a rough couple days. I wish he was here, I wish I could see him. Like I said, he's bringing the whole community together," he said.
In high school, Wild was a star baseball player and wrestler. Those who knew him say that feeling of being part of a team is why he joined the military.
"Because he wanted that real tight-knit brotherhood that the Marines have," said Bert Campbell.
Family friend Bert Campbell is also the high school registrar. Over the years she watched Wild grow from a kindergartener, to high schooler and then Marine.
"You could see the demeanor in him just standing straight, proud," she said.
Campbell still remembers the first time Wild told her about his new job.
"He said 'Mrs. Campbell, I'm doing mortars.' And I went, 'Mortars? Taylor! Oh my gosh, that's so dangerous.' And he said 'I'll be fine, I'll be Mrs. Campbell. Don't worry.'"
If loved ones take any comfort, it's knowing Wild died pursuing his dream.
"It's something he wanted to do and I'll tell you he loved, he loved the Marine Corps," said Campbell.
Wild was only in Nevada for training. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Services for Taylor Wild will be held next week. His father says he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery April 2.
