New England Public Radio

Some of the people attending the 2013 Memorial Day ceremony at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery sit among the graves, usually near loved ones.
(Photo Credit: Michael S. Gordon for The Republican)

Flags Fly At Half-Staff To Honor Western Mass. Marine Who Died After Off-Duty Accident

A 20-year-old Marine from western Massachusetts will be laid to rest today after dying from injuries he suffered off-duty, prompting Gov. Deval Patrick to order that flags fly at half-staff.

According to his obituary, Lance Corporal Sean Michael Dougan died on July 2nd after a motorcycle accident in Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was stationed there – at Camp Lejeune – working as an electrician, according to a spokesperson.

Dougan was born in Springfield, and a few months after graduating from high school in Wilbraham in 2012, he enlisted in the Marines.

Patrick’s order covers flags at state government buildings, as well as town or city halls, and military facilities.

Dougan’s funeral is scheduled for late Monday morning in East Longmeadow. He’ll receive military honors that afternoon at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.