FORT STEWART, Ga. (WTOC) - The fourth U.S. soldier who went missing in Lithuania has been found deceased.

The U.S. Army Europe and Africa division says the soldier’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

On March 25th, the soldiers went missing while conducing a mission to repair and tow a tactical vehicle. Their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle was later found submerged in water.

The 3rd Infantry Division identified three of the deceased Soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team on Tuesday, April 1, as Sgt. Jose Duenez, Jr., 25, of Joliet, Illinois, Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, 25, of Glendale, California, and Private First Class Dante D. Taitano, 21, of Dededo, Guam.

The last soldier has yet to be identified as we wait for family members to learn the heartbreaking news.

In a post on Facebook, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie wrote the following message:

“This loss is simply devastating. These men were honored Soldiers of the Marne Division. We are wrapping our arms around the families and loved ones of our Soldiers during incredibly difficult time.”

The first three soldiers were found on March 31st. All of the soldiers were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

In a statement, Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general, V Corps said:

“As the fourth and final Soldier has been recovered from this tragic accident, we will continue to mourn their loss as we work to quickly return our Dog Face Soldiers home to their families. It has been truly amazing and very humbling to watch the incredible recovery team from different commands, countries and continents come together and give everything to recover our Soldiers. Thank you, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, the U.S. Navy and the Army Corps of Engineers. We are forever grateful.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a statement:

“Today, I was informed that the remains of the fourth and final missing U.S. Army Soldier from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division were recovered in Lithuania. I want to personally extend my deepest condolences to the families of all four fallen Soldiers. Our hearts are heavy across the Department of Defense. We are deeply grateful to our brave servicemembers who enabled this difficult recovery and to our Lithuanian hosts who labored 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."

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff also released a statement on Tuesday saying, “I join all Georgians in mourning the devastating loss of four brave servicemembers from Ft. Stewart’s 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, who tragically lost their lives in Lithuania during a training mission.

I send my deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and fellow servicemembers on their loss.

Our servicemembers risk their lives defending our nation and upholding our commitments to our allies. We will never forget their heroism and bravery.

May their memories be a blessing.”

The U.S. Army is investigating the cause of the accident.

As the search comes to an end, Savannah’s Mayor Van Johnson sends his condolences to the friends and families of each of the soldiers.

“This heartbreaking loss reverberates throughout our community and we stand united with the families, particularly in the Liberty County area, as they navigate this unimaginable grief,” Mayor Johnson said. “We honor the service and the sacrifice of these heroes and we will continue to support their loved ones during this difficult time.”

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