Body of fourth missing US soldier found after training incident with M88 in Lithuania
The body of a fourth US soldier who went missing alongside three others during an exercise in Lithuania has been found.
A search was launched last week when the troops, who were travelling in an M88 Hercules armoured recovery vehicle, disappeared while operating on the Pabradė Training Area.
The vehicle was located in a swamp last week and was recovered from the water by rescue teams after six days.
The bodies of three of the soldiers were initially found, while the body of the fourth soldier was recovered later.
They were all assigned to the 1st Armoured Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and were deployed to support Operation Atlantic Resolve.
US Secretary of State for Defence Pete Hegseth said: "I want to personally extend my deepest condolences to the families of all four fallen soldiers.
"Our hearts are heavy across the Department of Defence.
"We are deeply grateful to our brave servicemembers who enabled this difficult recovery and to our Lithuanian hosts who laboured alongside them.
"The recovery was conducted with urgency, resolve and deep respect for the fallen.
"We will never forget these soldiers – and our prayers are with their families."
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said: "Deeply saddened to announce that the body of the fourth US soldier, who was training in Lithuania, has been found.
"Our heartfelt condolences go to our US allies and their people.
"Lithuania has been praying for all four missing soldiers, and now, with all our hearts, we stand with their families.
"We are deeply grateful to everyone who dedicated immense efforts to find the one remaining soldier still missing under such challenging conditions."
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