Parris Island Marine drill instructor found dead in apartment

Published Jul 23, 11:57 PM UTC

Sgt. Darilyn C. Duong, a 25-year-old drill instructor assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, was found dead in her apartment in Port Royal, South Carolina, on July 17, 2026. The Marine Corps confirmed the death but stated the cause is under investigation and declined to release further details out of respect for the family. Duong, a native of Winnebago, Nebraska, enlisted as a Food Service Specialist before becoming a drill instructor. Her awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. This marks the second death of a Parris Island drill instructor in two months; Sgt. Albert Haynes II, 24, was found dead in a Florida hotel room on May 30 while attending a poolee function.