The family of Capt. Lucas Gruenther, an Air Force pilot that has been missing since January 28, released a statement today announcing that he was found dead in the Adriatic Sea.
The text of their statement is below:
It is with great sadness that we announce that the body Captain Lucas Gruenther was found in the Adriatic Sea this afternoon. A compassionate husband, a loving son, and a devoted brother; Luc leaves behind a family who loves him dearly and a legacy of achievement. We will never fully recover from our loss, but take heart in the knowledge that during his all-too-short time in this world, he made a significant difference in the lives of all whom he met.
We would like to thank the people around the world for your messages and your prayers. We especially want to extend our deepest gratitude to the many people who volunteered their time and resources to help bring Luc home.”
The Aviano Air Base lost contact with the Gruenther’s F-16 fighter jet during a nighttime training mission on January 28. His wife Cassy, is pregnant with their first child.
