Body of Twain Harte Air Force pilot recovered in Adriatic

8:59 AM, Jan 31, 2013   |    comments
F-16 fighter jet (Courtesy: Getty Images)
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TWAIN HARTE, Calif. - On Thursday, the family of Lucas Gruenther revealed the body of the missing Air Force Capt. had bee found in the Adriatic Sea.

"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," his family said in a statement.

Gruenther was reported missing on Tuesday after his F-16 fighter jet went down off the coast of Italy.

STORY: Twain Harte Air Force pilot reported missing after fighter jet crashes in Adriatic

In closing, the family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support received since Gruenther's disappearance.

"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."

News10/KXTV