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Marine Sgt. David W. Bell of Elizabeth WV is now listed in stable condition at Palomar Medical Center in San Diego CA. Bell
was injured when a 40mm gernade launcher exploded in his face. He will be transferred Wednesday to Bal boa Naval Medical
Center in San Diego, where he will continue reconstructive surgeries.
"According to doctors it is believed that David will lose his left eye. We are still hopeful and praying," said his uncle John Ross,
who just returned to Wirt County. " Dave says that he can see light. Doctors have already removed the frontal lobe of his brain due
to fragmented bone from his forehead that was forced into it. However, no noticeable abnormalities are visible at this time. A metal
plate has been placed in his forehead," he said.
Bell is a training instructor with the Marines and was giving training to four Marines on firing a 40mm grenade launcher. He lifetime
dream has been to have a Marine career.
During a training session and while rapid firing the weapon, one shell jammed in the barrel and the second round then fired,
causing the weapon to explode. Four other men were actually closer to the weapon. They suffered only minor cuts and
scratches, according to Ross.
"The Captain informed me that Sgt. Bell was following proper procedures and was wearing the proper gear for such training, which
included a communications helmet and a pair of protective eye gear, as well as a flack jacket. He informed me that the helmet
and eye protection gear were destroyed in the incident," Ross said.
There is a fundraising account to help with family expenses at Wesbanco Bank in Elizabeth.
You can send checks to:
Wesbanco, P.O. Box 579, Elizabeth, WV 26143 or call (304)275-4268.
Daivd has a wife Holly and two children, Logan, age six, and Schyler, six months.
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