Tragic Death of Aspiring Marine Raises Questions

The mysterious death of 19-year-old Noah Presgrove, a Marine hopeful from Oklahoma, has sparked a wrongful death lawsuit alleging he was beaten to death. Found naked on the side of U.S. Highway 81 in Terral on September 4, 2023, Presgrove’s body was discovered alongside personal items such as teeth, a necklace, and basketball shorts. Initially thought to be a hit-and-run victim, the lawsuit filed on June 23 claims otherwise, seeking at least $75,000 in damages.

Details of the Fatal Weekend

Presgrove attended a multi-day Labor Day party with friends before his untimely death. The event, allegedly involving underage drinking, was hosted by Avery Howard, Carter Combs, and Logan Jernigan on property owned by Johnnie Trout Wilcoxson Jr. and in a trailer owned by Stevie Howard. The lawsuit suggests that Jack Newton, underage himself, purchased alcohol from Napoli’s convenience store for the party.

Circumstances Surrounding the Incident

According to the medical examiner’s report, Presgrove had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit and was involved in an ATV rollover incident during the party. Despite being intoxicated, he was permitted to ride the vehicle by Newton. After returning to the party post-incident, Presgrove was last seen in a verbal altercation with Howard and Newton around 3:41 a.m. on September 4.

Legal Allegations and Investigation Findings

The lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence and civil conspiracy in connection with Presgrove’s death. The medical examiner determined his cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head, torso, and extremities. Although the complaint alleges he was beaten to death by one or more defendants, it lacks specific factual allegations supporting this claim.

Family’s Quest for Justice

Presgrove had graduated high school early with plans to join the military alongside his cousin. His family remains vocal about their disbelief in the murder theory but continues to seek answers through legal channels.