Marine Tragedy

The family of a marine from east grand forks is mourning the loss of their son and brother A soldier with ties to North Dakota Corporal ryan pape died at camp pendleton in california thursday And this is the second loss for the family in just a few years Reporter david schwab has the story lt Schwab Reporter There are few details right now about how Marine Ryan Pape died Though it has been reported that Pape died during a night training exercise involving a parachute jump Parents Ron and Shar Pape of East Grand Forks were notified yesterday of the 23 year old s death Mike McNamara I use the word crushing That is what it feels like Its certainly very difficult when any family absorbs one Tremendously unfair to Papes Who are such great family who spent more time overseas in combat Reporter We talked with Grand Forks City Councilman and talk show host Mike McNamara who served with Ryan s older brother Riley Pape Riley died in May 2005 in a motorcycle accident in California He says both brothers served their country with much honor McNamara Just a great selfless young guy You could not ask for a better person I know the marine corp doesn t get any better then Ryan and Riley It was a terrible loss Reporter Following the paths of his older brothers Ryan Pape had served tours in Iraq McNamara say Ryan had just re-enlisted into the Marines this summer looking for yet another opportunity to serve his country Mike McNamara He Idolized his brothers and he heard their stories and the thing they had seen and done And I think very much he very much wanted to sit at the table with them as guys who had fought for their country gt Officials now report Pape died from injuries suffered during a low-level static line jump His personal service awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Combat Action Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal