Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski, at right, a 23-year-old Marine who died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in a rollover accident during training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., had nearly five years of service and was known for his willingness to help others. (Facebook)
Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski, a 23-year-old Marine who died Wednesday in a rollover accident during training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., had nearly five years of service and was known for his willingness to help others.
“He was so compassionate. He was always upbeat and would do anything he could to bring you out of a bad situation and put you in a better mindset,” his brother Josh Bylski said in a statement released by Hazel Park Schools in Michigan where the Marine graduated high school.
Bylski, who grew up in nearby Royal Oak, Mich., died as he was serving as the vehicle commander of an amphibious combat vehicle at Camp Pendleton, according to the Marine Corps base. A rollover accident occurred as the vehicle with 14 other Marines inside was on land.
One Marine remains at the hospital in good condition, the others have been treated and released, the service said Thursday. The accident remains under investigation.
Bylski was an amphibious combat vehicle crewman assigned to the Battalion Landing Team 1/5 of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“Words fail to express our sorrow at the tragic loss of Sgt. Bylski, an outstanding Marine and a leader within his platoon,” said Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “The MEU — the Marines who lived, trained, and learned from Sgt. Bylski, mourn alongside his family and friends. The entire 15th MEU ‘Vanguard’ family is affected by his absence.”
Bylski enlisted in January 2019 — shortly after his 2018 graduation from Hazel Park High School where he played baseball and football, according to the district. He is survived by his wife, Lexi, and his parents, Ken Bylski and Sandra Rogoff.
“He was a real special kid,” Ken Bylski said in a statement from the school.
Bylski’s awards and decorations from the Marine Corps include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
A sign outside the main gate of Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. (San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS)
