Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday that the remains of the fourth U.S. Army soldier had been recovered in Lithuania after a training accident. The remains of the three others had already been recovered.
Hegseth delivered the sad news in an X post shortly after announcing his arrival at the United States Naval Academy for a visit with future leaders in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
“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,” Hegseth posted.
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.…
— Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) April 1, 2025
“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 service members who enabled this difficult recovery and to our Lithuanian hosts who labored alongside them,” Hegseth continued. “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.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed the news from the podium during Tuesday’s briefing, sending condolences from President Donald Trump and the administration to the families and units affected by the loss.
WATCH:
.@PressSec “The President, The Secretary of Defense, and the entire White House are praying for friends and family during this unimaginable time.” pic.twitter.com/cDoMbpqsAU
— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) April 1, 2025
“I want to start today by addressing the U.S. Army soldiers who went missing while conducting a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle in Lithuania in the early hours of March 25th,” Leavitt began. “Tragically, three soldiers were found deceased in Lithuania yesterday, and it pains me to confirm that today, the fourth soldier was also found deceased.”
“The President, The Secretary of Defense, and the entire White House are praying for the victims’ friends and family during this unimaginable time,” she added. “this is another stark reminder of the selfless sacrifice of our brave military men and women who risk their lives around the world every day to keep us safe. God bless them.”
