Military investigating ‘suspicious’ death of former standout Colorado high school wrestler turned...

Christopher Hutchings graduated high school early in order to join the U.S. Marines, leaving for boot camp in 2022. On Feb. 5 he was found dead inside his barracks at Camp Pendleton in California and sources tell 11 News his death is considered suspicious.

11 News confirmed Friday that the Armed Forces Medical Examiner is handling the death investigation alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).

Thursday night, law enforcement escorted Hutchings back to Chaffee County where people lined local roads waving flags and honoring the former standout Buena Vista High School wrestler. At the state wrestling tournament going on in Denver now, his former teammates and coaches are wearing Hutchings name on their practice uniforms and family members told 11 News other special honors are being planned for the tournament on Saturday.

As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hutchings death continues, a memorial service is planned with a fully escorted procession through Chaffee County Feb. 26.