ANKARA

The US Army on Tuesday confirmed the death of the fourth and final soldier missing after an armored vehicle accident in Lithuania last week.

The soldier was part of a crew operating an M88 Hercules armored recovery vehicle that disappeared on March 25 “while conducting a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle,” the US Army Europe and Africa said in a statement.

Three soldiers were confirmed dead on Monday after the 63-ton vehicle was pulled from a peat bog in the Pabrade Training Area, near Lithuania’s border with Belarus.

The vehicle was recovered following a six-day multinational search operation involving hundreds of personnel from the US, Lithuania, Poland and Estonia.

"This is a tragic event, but it reinforces what it means to have allies and friends," said Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of US Army Europe and Africa.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the incident “a stark reminder of the selfless sacrifice” of US military personnel.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the recovery was “conducted with urgency, resolve and deep respect,” and “we will never forget these soldiers.”

The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

"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, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division. “Though we have received some closure, the world is darker without them.”