A 33-year-old airman based in Arizona was found dead at Roosevelt Lake over the weekend, officials said, days after he was reported missing during a training exercise.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Kory Wade, 33, a 48th Rescue Squadron medical logistics airman at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, was initially reported missing at around 2 p.m. local time (5 p.m. ET) Wednesday during "training in preparation for supporting jump operations," the base said in a statement.
A number of agencies responded, including the Gila County Sheriff’s Office, Tonto Rim Search and Rescue, the U.S. Border Patrol, the Air Force and the Navy, the base said.
Wade's body was found days later Saturday "following an exhaustive search at Roosevelt Lake," said Col. Scott Mills, the 355th Wing commander.
“Sergeant Wade was a model Airman and consummate professional while assigned to the 48th Rescue Squadron and he will be deeply missed," Mills said.
"Our thoughts are with Sergeant Wade’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time," he said, adding: "Davis-Monthan Air Force Base leaders are postured to provide comfort and assistance to our community as we navigate this tragedy together.”
Wade, of Shortsville, New York, entered active-duty service on Nov. 18, 2008, and arrived at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in April 2020, the base said.
The cause of death was not immediately clear.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office said the incident was under investigation.
