Police said a Marine corporal was killed aboard this motorcycle, seen here at Urasoe Police Station in Urasoe city, Okinawa, April 27, 2026. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
URASOE, Okinawa — A Marine corporal died over the weekend after his motorcycle collided with a taxi outside a U.S. base in central Okinawa, according to the Marine Corps and police.
David Rodrigues, 21, was declared dead around 1:30 a.m. Saturday following an off-duty traffic accident near Camp Kinser, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing spokesman Maj. Joseph Butterfield said by email Monday.
A New Jersey native, Rodrigues was a tactical air control operator assigned to Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Butterfield said.
Rodrigues was southbound on Route 58 in the Yafuso district of Urasoe city at 12:45 a.m. when he collided with a taxi attempting to turn right from the opposite lane, a city police spokesman said by phone Monday.
The intersection, with a traffic light, is just outside Kinser’s Gate 2.
Rodrigues suffered multiple injuries, the spokesman said. He was taken to a hospital in central Okinawa where he was declared dead.
The motorcycle was heavily damaged, the spokesman added. The taxi’s front was also damaged. Taxi driver Kazuki Matayoshi, 50, was uninjured.
It was unclear who had the right of way at the time of the accident, and police are investigating, the spokesman said.
A Marine motorcyclist was killed after colliding with a taxi at this Route 58 intersection near Camp Kinser’s Gate 2 in Urasoe city, Okinawa, seen here April 27 , 2026. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)
Some Japanese government officials can speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.
Rodrigues enlisted in September 2023 and was promoted to corporal in September, Butterfield said. His personal awards include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.
“We are working closely with local authorities as they investigate the incident,” Butterfield said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all affected by this tragic loss.”
Motorcycle accidents on Okinawa claimed four U.S. service members’ lives over the past year.
On Dec. 5, U.S. Army Spc. Markeith Driskell died after his motorcycle swerved to miss a turning vehicle, hit a median and was struck by a second vehicle on Route 58 in Chatan town the evening before.
On Oct. 30, Air Force Staff Sgt. Gregory Peterson died of a brain hemorrhage after his motorcycle collided with a compact car on Oct. 17 in Ginowan city.
Marine Lance Cpl. Alexi Gamboa was killed Aug. 16 after his motorcycle hit a curb and he struck a fence on a main thoroughfare in Nago city.
On May 16, Marine Cpl. Nathaniel Curtis died following a three-vehicle accident in Nago the evening before that also left another Marine motorcyclist injured.
AloJapan.com