Female Marine drill instructor found dead in apartment at Parris Island

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, and the cause is under investigation. Duong, a native of Winnebago, Nebraska, served with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. She is the second drill instructor assigned to Parris Island to die in as many months, following the death of Sgt. Albert Haynes II, 24, who was found dead in a Florida hotel room on May 30. Duong enlisted as a Food Service Specialist before becoming a drill instructor and was single with no dependents. Her awards include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.