A recreational hike in the scenic but unpredictable terrain of northern Japan ended in tragedy over the weekend, as one U.S. Marine was found dead and another rescued after going missing on Mount Furano in Hokkaido prefecture.

The Marine Corps confirmed the incident on Tuesday, identifying the deceased as Cpl. Jason P. Cockrell and the survivor as Cpl. Andre N. Dabrowski. Both Marines were assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion under the 3rd Marine Logistics Group.

The two Marines, stationed in Japan as part of the United States’ ongoing military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, had embarked on the hike Friday for recreational purposes.

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However, what began as a weekend outing quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal when deteriorating weather conditions, including heavy fog, disrupted visibility and separated the pair.

A spokesperson for the Marine Corps told Military Times that worsening weather is believed to have played a significant role in the incident.

According to Japanese media outlet Hokkaido Broadcasting, one of the Marines contacted local police around 4 p.m. Friday after becoming disoriented and lost in thick fog.

That Marine—later identified as Dabrowski—was found alive six hours later, approximately 4,300 feet up a mountain road.

The search for Cockrell continued into Saturday, when Japanese rescue teams discovered him lying unresponsive on a trail at approximately 4,600 feet.

Though he was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, he was later pronounced dead. The details surrounding his death remain under investigation.

In a statement released Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Kevin G. Collins, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, expressed the sorrow felt across the Marine community.

“We are all incredibly saddened by this loss,” said Collins. “We are united in grief with their family, friends, and fellow Marines, and we will do everything we can to support them during this difficult time.”
The Marine Corps also acknowledged the vital role played by local authorities in the search and rescue operation.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Japanese authorities, local rescue teams, and all those involved in the search and recovery efforts,” said Capt. Brett Vannier, spokesperson for the 3rd Marine Logistics Group.

Cpl. Jason P. Cockrell, a native of New Mexico, enlisted in the Marine Corps on August 8, 2022.

At the time of his death, he was serving as an automotive maintenance technician—a crucial role within the logistics framework of the military.

In his short but honorable career, Cockrell had already earned multiple service awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Korea Defense Service Medal.

His fellow Marine, Cpl. Andre N. Dabrowski of Maryland, also serves in the same occupational field and unit. Though physically unharmed, Dabrowski and those close to both men now face the emotional toll of this tragic incident.

The area around Mount Furano is known for its rugged beauty, attracting hikers from around the world, but also presents challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions.

The region’s unpredictable environment has led to previous incidents involving lost or injured hikers, emphasizing the need for extreme caution and preparedness when navigating its trails.

As the investigation continues, the Marine Corps has stated it will focus on supporting the Cockrell family and the unit affected by this loss.

The death of a service member, particularly under such unforeseen circumstances, reverberates throughout the tight-knit military community. It serves as a solemn reminder of the risks that can arise even outside the battlefield.

The 3rd Marine Logistics Group, part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, plays a critical support role in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Its missions range from logistical and engineering support to humanitarian aid and disaster response.

Marines in this unit frequently train and operate in diverse environments, preparing for a wide range of missions—including those that test both physical endurance and environmental awareness.

For now, the U.S. military community mourns the loss of a young Marine whose service, though brief, reflected a deep commitment to duty.

As tributes pour in and support is extended to those grieving, Cpl. Jason P. Cockrell’s name joins the solemn roll call of those who gave their lives while serving their country—even in peacetime.