Rapid City Marine dies in Calif. car accident

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RAPID CITY (AP) — A Rapid City couple is mourning the loss of their son, who was one of three Camp Pendleton Marines killed in a car crash in California.

Jason Chleborad, 22, a 2008 graduate of Rapid City Stevens High School, was killed early Tuesday when the car he was a passenger in went out of control on a Dana Point street and slammed into a tree. Two others in the car were killed and a fourth person was hospitalized in critical condition. Sheriff’s investigators said speed, slick roads and alcohol appeared to be factors in the crash.

Parents Brian and Amy Chleborad said they last saw their son over the Christmas holiday, during a surprise visit. He also visited Rapid City last July after serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan, according to his father.

“He earned the Navy Achievement Medal over there, which is a big deal,” Brian Chleborad said.

The parents were joined Wednesday by grieving friends, including members of the high school wrestling team.

“He was probably the kindest person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” said Tyler Millslagle, who had known Jason Chleborad since first grade. “He was always the kind of person who could sit down and listen to your problems or put a smile on anyone’s face.”

Jason Chleborad played high school baseball and qualified for all-state chorus while attending Stevens. He was a corporal in the Marines.

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