Coal City Marine Steven Hancock falls to his death during aircraft exercise

COAL CITY, Ill. (WLS) -- Coal City Marine Steven Hancock died after he fell out of an aircraft during a training exercise in North Carolina.

Hancock, 20, was a member of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. He had just been promoted to lance corporal.

Hancock fell out of an MV-22B Osprey during a training flight 45 miles west of Marine Corps Air Station New River near White Lake, North Carolina, on Monday at 6:30 p.m. Crews searched the area by plane and by foot for hours before finding his body on Tuesday around 2:30 p.m. Officials believe he died from injuries sustained in the fall.

His family has questions about what led to Hancock's fall, and Marine officials said they are still investigating.

The Marines released a statement that read in part, "We understand that many will continue to have questions regarding the cause of this tragic event -- and we are committed to investigating it to our utmost ability. We ask only for patience to allow us to conduct it thoroughly, and to give Lance Cpl. Hancock's family time to properly grieve the loss of this great young American."

Hancock joined the Marines in 2011 shortly after graduating from Coal City High School. Counselors spoke with students at the school, where his sister just graduated. His mother teaches in the school district.

"The kids know each other. The teaches know a majority of the students, so anytime you lose one, it definitely has an effect," Dr. Kent Buggs said.

"He was a great kid. He had a really contagious smile, fun to be around," friend Bobby Chapman said.

Hancock, who would have turned 21 on Saturday, was an Eagle Scout who had a desire to service his country, friends said. He was expected home for an extended visit in just two weeks.

Coal City is located in Grundy County.