Was Struck During Operations At Camp Pendleton last Wednesday

A naval officer was fatally injured last Wednesday when he was struck by a moving helicopter rotor during operations at Camp Pendleton.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the officer has been identified as 32-year-old Lt. James E. Mazzuchelli, a flight surgeon. He was struck by the tail rotor of a UH-1Y Venom helicopter that was on the ground when the accident occurred.

Lt. Mazzuchelli was hospitalized after the accident, but died Saturday as a result of his injuries.

Mazzuchelli was a native of Florida assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 with Marine Aircraft Group 39, and was stationed at the Marine base, according to Marine Corps officials. He enlisted in the Navy in June 2010. His commanding officer said that Lt. Mazzuchelli was "an incredibly talented physician and sailor. His contagious enthusiasm, motivation and love for the Marines and sailors of HMLA-267 and MAG-39 has been evident in the outpouring of grief at his loss and the support being shown to his family and close friends."

The accident is under investigation.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report