Fourth Fort Stewart Soldier found dead in Lithuania, investigation continues
Drew Favakeh- The fourth and final U.S. Army soldier who went missing in Lithuania on March 25 was found dead on April 1.
- The soldiers were part of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and were stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
- They were on a mission to repair and tow a tactical vehicle when their M88A2 Hercules recovery vehicle ended up submerged in a peat bog.
This afternoon near Pabradė, Lithuania, the fourth U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division who went missing on March 25 was found dead, according to a press release issued by U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
The soldiers went missing in the early morning hours of March 25 in their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle while conducting a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle. Early the next morning, U.S. Army units supported by Lithuanian Armed Forces and law enforcement “conducted a search in the area and found the soldiers’ vehicle submerged in a body of water."
Of the four U.S. Army soldiers who went missing, three were found dead in Lithuania on March 31, as previously reported by the Savannah Morning News. In the early morning of March 31, the M88A2, which weighs 63 tons, was removed from the peat bog.
The soldier was found after a search by hundreds of rescue workers from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Polish Armed Forces, Estonian Armed Forces, and many other elements of the Lithuanian government and civilian agencies, the press release added.
The Soldier’s identity is being withheld pending confirmation of notification of next of kin.
"First and foremost, we offer condolences to the loved ones of our Soldiers,” said Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. “I can't say enough about the support our Lithuanian Allies have provided us. We have leaned on them, and they, alongside our Polish and Estonian Allies - and our own Sailors, Airmen and experts from the Corps of Engineers - have enabled us to find and bring home our Soldiers. This is a tragic event, but it reinforces what it means to have Allies and friends.”
The U.S. Army is investigating the cause of the accident.
“We are incredibly relieved that we were able to bring this recovery to an end and bring closure to all the Families, friends and teammates of our Soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general, 1st Armored Division. “We cannot thank our Allies and fellow service members enough, especially the Lithuanians, who spared no resource in support of this mission. Together, we delivered on our promise to never leave a fallen comrade.”
“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,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general, V Corps. “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.”
The soldiers were deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR), which was launched by the United States in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. The soldiers were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
"This past week has been devastating. Today our hearts bear the weight of an unbearable pain with the loss of our final Dogface Soldier," said Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Inf. Div. commanding general. “Though we have received some closure, the world is darker without them.”
"We continue to stand by the families and loved ones through this incredibly difficult time,” added Norrie. “Now, it’s time to bring them home.”
Also on April 1, Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) released a statement.
“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.”
Drew Favakeh is the public safety and courts reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at AFavakeh@Gannett.com.