1/31/2013 - MANIAGO, Italy (AFNS) -- The following statement is released on behalf of the Gruenther family with their permission:
"It is with great sadness that we announce that the body Capt. 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.
"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."
NOTE: Per the family's request all media inquiries should be directed through the 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 31FW.PA2@us.af.mil or (+39) 0434 30 7555.
Comments
2/2/2013 12:10:52 PM ET Volavi nei cieli per garantire la sicurezza di tutti Capitano Luc. Ora vola nel cielo pi alto. Noi tutti ti diciamo grazie per il tuo lavoro. Un forte abbraccio alla famiglia Gruenther.
Gabriele, Ravenna - Italy
2/2/2013 10:26:31 AM ET Merciful Lord please receive into the Heavens this man who in defense of liberty paid the ultimate price. AMEN
John Geron, Mitchellville MD
2/1/2013 9:27:12 AM ET Thoughts and prayers to the Gruenther family
Duke, Kandahar
2/1/2013 8:28:54 AM ET May God confort you during these sad times. I extend my prayers to the Gruenther family.
Russell Colston USAF Retired, Baltimore MD
2/1/2013 4:44:23 AM ET Take comfort in your memories to help lighten the load of your loss. Thank you for your service Capt Gruenther.
O. Toppin, Paris France
2/1/2013 2:14:32 AM ET You have my prayers.
Marcus Stribling, Aviano Air Base
1/31/2013 8:36:40 PM ET My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this most difficult time. May God help you through this.
Thomas, San Marcos Texas
1/31/2013 4:45:53 PM ET I want to thank him for his service to this great country. He will never be forgotten. As we know freedom is not cheap we pay a high price for the freedom we have. God bless his family.
Mark Amen, Lackland AFB
1/31/2013 4:13:55 PM ET Heart breaking story Our prayers go out to the Gruenther family and friends at Aviano. God bless you all
S Butcher, San Angelo TX
1/31/2013 4:02:33 PM ET Heartbreaking May God provide comfort and peace to his family and friends
EDSNB, Scott AFB
1/31/2013 3:46:17 PM ET Lived and loved so much in such little time - God be with the family at this tragic time.
R Gomez, Lackalnd AFB
1/31/2013 2:35:24 PM ET My heart breaks hearing this. I was praying they would find him safe. God bless Capt. Gruenther and his family.
K. Bethuy, Wright-Patterson AFB
1/31/2013 2:21:25 PM ET Our prayers and condolences go out to the family for their loss.May the love of God surround you.
RPope, Edwards
1/31/2013 12:13:51 PM ET My thoughts and prayers are with Gruenther family as well as with the Aviano family. God Bless
