Marine corporal dies in Okinawa crash near Camp Kinser

April 27, 2026

Summary

A 21-year-old Marine corporal died after his motorcycle collided with a taxi near Camp Kinser in Okinawa, authorities said.

Why this matters

The death adds to a string of fatal motorcycle crashes involving U.S. service members on Okinawa over the past year. It also highlights the continuing scrutiny around off-base traffic incidents involving troops stationed on the island.

A Marine corporal died early Saturday after his motorcycle collided with a taxi near Camp Kinser in central Okinawa, according to the Marine Corps and police.

David Rodrigues, 21, was declared dead around 1:30 a.m. after the off-duty crash, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing spokesman Maj. Joseph Butterfield said Monday.

Rodrigues, a New Jersey native, was a tactical air control operator assigned to Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Butterfield said.

The crash happened at about 12:45 a.m. on Route 58 in Urasoe’s Yafuso district, near Kinser’s Gate 2, when Rodrigues was traveling south and collided with a taxi that was turning right from the opposite lane, a city police spokesman said Monday.

Police said it was unclear who had the right of way, and the crash remains under investigation.

Rodrigues enlisted in September 2023 and was promoted to corporal in September, Butterfield said. His awards included the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.

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