Family members confirm that a Rochester Marine stationed in South Carolina has died.

The family of 21-year-old Lance Corporal Gilberto Colon Rodriguez sat together in their living room, consoling each other about the unexpected loss of their son and brother.

They said the Marine was one of two people who died in a wreck early Thursday morning, a short distance from his military base at Paris Island, South Carolina. The truck they were in reportedly went off the side of the road, hit several trees and flipped.

The late Gilberto’s oldest brother Wilberto Colon Jr. translated for his mother Wanda Rodriguez as they reflected on his memory Friday afternoon. She says he was a bright young man who wanted more for himself. His family and being a Marine meant everything to him.

“Very special kid,” said Wanda Rodriguez. “…very, very special kid. Humble, respectful kid, everything was sports to him; good grades.”

Gilberto enlisted in the Marines right after graduating from Rochester’s Monroe High School in 2016. His brother proudly shared his journey and accomplishments.

“He finished his first training right here in Rochester,” said Wilberto Jr. “Then he went to Buffalo, and from Buffalo he went to Paris Island. As he finished his boot camp, he moved back to NC; his regular station. He turned 21, when he was in the Middle East in Kuwait. So yeah, he had big dreams.”

Wilberto Jr. said it is not easy facing the loss of his brother, but he has to stay strong for his mom and dad.

“My brother was in the back sleeping,” said Wilberto Jr. “Once the truck flipped over, that’s when my brother lost his beautiful young life.”

Gilberto’s family says his contract with the Marines was set to wrap up soon. He had plans to join the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Wilberto Jr. says he was the last one of his family to speak to his brother Gilberto hours before Thursday morning’s accident. Gilberto’s family says he loved baseball, physical fitness, and his family.

"Every time he was home all he would do is just go run, riding his bike, played baseball, went to the games,” said Wilberto Jr. “All the little things that he did with his friends, and everyone's been shocked that this happened. He was proud to be from Rochester. Everywhere he went, he was definitely representing Rochester."

Gilberto knew he wanted to serve as a Marine at a young age and was determined to fulfill his passion.

“He was 17 years old,” said Wilberto Jr. “That's what he told my mom, ‘Mom, here's what I want to do with my life. Here's what I was born to do with my life with the Marines.’"

Wilberto Jr. says he and his family are grateful for the memories made with their beloved son and brother.

Plans to bring Lance Corporal Gilberto Colon Rodriguez home to Rochester are not finalized yet.

He is survived by his mother, Wanda Rodriguez, father Wilberto Colon, brother Wilberto Colon Jr., brother Brayan Colon, and sisters Wilnelis Colon and Lekisha Colon.