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Child dies a day after being named honorary Marine

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Aug 1, 2016

An 8-year-old from California was named an honorary Marine on Saturday.

Wyatt Gillette, 8, battled Aicardi-Goutieres syndome, a rare genetic disorder that would cause seizures and kidney failure, KABC reported.

His father, Jeremiah Gillette, is a Marine drill instructor. His fellow Marines helped make Gillette's wish come true: to make Wyatt an honorary Marine.

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Wyatt's parents watched their son receive his Eagle, Globe and Anchor on Saturday as he was inducted into the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller approved Wyatt as one of the few who have been made an Honorary Marine, the Marine Corps Times reported.

Wyatt lost his battle with his disease on Sunday morning.

Jeremiah said his son was peaceful and pain free when he died, KABC reported.

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