Highland Marine Killed In Training Exercise Explosion

HIGHLAND, IL (KPLR)–A Marine from Highland, Illinois was one of seven Marines killed in a training exercise in Nevada.

Aaron Ripperda played sports at Highland High School including track and cross country, as well as freshman football.

Friends and family remember Aaron Ripperda as being just a well-rounded young man.

Aaron`s junior high track and cross country coach Doug Bradley sifted through old pictures of Aaron`s teams, with the news of Aaron`s tragic death weighing heavily on his mind.

Aaron Ripperda also played football his freshman year at Highland, and his coach and teacher Ron Holt also took the news hard.

In addition to sports, Aaron participated in the Madrigal Society Performances at Highland, which faculty members say is a testament to what a well-rounded message Aaron leaves behind to Highland High School.

Now Aaron will be remembered for so much more here at his former school.