The Beals Family - Save Our Servicemembers

DALTON BEALS

November 15, 2001 – June 4, 2021

Dalton Melvin Beals of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away at the young age of 19 on Friday, June 4th, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Dalton was born in Newark, Delaware to Melvin Beals Jr. and Stacie Beveridge Beals on November 15th, 2001. Dalton was loved fiercely by all of those around him and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, coaches, teachers, and everyone who knew him. He was an incredible athlete and confident in his skills but remained humble and never believed he was better than anyone else. He was kind, caring, and protective of those he loved, especially his two older sisters, Jordan and Logan. He grew up with his cousin Derrek where they acted more like brothers. Dalton would have made an amazing father someday and his family saw that in the way he entertained his younger cousins Abby and Stephen. Although Dalton was known to be quiet at times and was often found just hanging out with his family, he was also the life of the party with his friends. He was incredibly selfless, witty, and charming and would always offer the best hugs. Even though he had the physical strength to dominate a fight, he leaned towards the role of peacekeeper and mediator. Dalton graduated from Pennsville Memorial High School in 2020. He was awarded Scholar Athlete for his outstanding performance and dedication to football, wrestling, and track. He had completed a year at Salem Community College during his senior year of high school but ultimately chose to serve his country as a United States Marine.

A 19-year-old Marine Corps recruit, Pfc. Dalton Beals, suffered a tragic death while participating in a grueling training exercise named ‘The Crucible’. The 54-hour-long intense training claimed the life of young enlistee (Pfc) Dalton Beals, at the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Port Royal, South Carolina. He was a part of the Echo Company in the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion — a 13-week boot camp which ended with ‘The Crucible’. The Marines issued an official statement mourning Beals’ death. “Our deepest condolences go out to Dalton’s family and to the Marines and staff of Echo Company,” they wrote. A native of Pennsville, New Jersey, Beals graduated in 2020 from Pennsville Memorial High School. He was a recipient of the 2020 Glendon W Lodge Scholarship at his school and was recognized as a star athlete.

He followed his dream to join the Marine Corps after graduating from school and was posted at the MCRD Parris Island. After his tragic death, his mother Stacie remembered him as “the most sincere, kind hearted, sweet and amazing young man”. Meanwhile, Marines spokesperson Bobby Yarbrough announced that Beals would be honored with the title of a Marine posthumously. “The Drill instructors and Company staff made the determination that based on his resolve and dedication throughout recruit training and the Crucible, Pfc. Beals earned the title Marine.

Notable News Articles

Stars and Stripes: Marine recruit dies during ‘Crucible’ final event at Parris Island

Stars and Stripes: Recruit’s training death was ‘avoidable,’ Marines say; charges could be brought against drill instructor

Marine Corps Times: Parris Island drill instructor charged in 2021 death of Marine recruit

Marine Corps Times: Boot camp tragedy: A recruit died. His drill instructor faces the blame

Marine Corps Times: Marine drill instructor’s homicide trial delayed due to new evidence

Task & Purpose: Parris Island drill instructor found not guilty of Marine’s death during Crucible

Remembering Dalton

PFC Dalton Beals “Better Than The Best” Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is offered in the memory of Dalton Beals, whose life was cut tragically short on June 4, 2021. Dalton was a Class of 2020 PMHS graduate who gave his life pursuing his dream to serve and protect our nation. His enlistment in the United States Marine Corps was a testament to his unwavering character that was loved and cherished by many. To honor his life and legacy, his family created the Dalton Beals Memorial Fund to give back to the community and provide assistance to PMHS students who possess qualities similar to Dalton’s.

The annual scholarship will be provided to help students further their education or fund career plans after high school. Students who receive this scholarship need not to be enrolled in a higher institution but should be able to speak towards their plans after graduation and how the scholarship would benefit them.