Marine killed in California crash was ‘the gold standard’

Family and friends say one of four Marines killed when their helicopter crashed on a training mission in Southern California was a standout in the corps and in life, just as caring as he was tough.

Although the Marines haven’t released the names of those killed in Tuesday’s crash, family and friends have identified Lance Cpl. Taylor Conrad as among the dead.

Tributes to Conrad, who just became a father, are pouring in on social media, including from the mayor in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and his high school football team.

Cpl. Brock Portier, a good friend and fellow Marine, says his “brother” was “the gold standard” in the corps.

Conrad’s great aunt, Pam Scoggin of Texas City, Texas, says he loved serving his country.