EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base went missing on Saturday, May 24, after a drowning incident at Elephant Butte, the Air Force base said in a news release.
The Air Force says Airman First Class Me’lik Etienne, 22, assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, was recovered from Elephant Butte Lake just before 1 p.m. on Monday, May 26.
Entienne went missing this past Saturday during a drowning incident at Elephant Butte. Alcohol was not involved in the incident, the Air Force said.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Me’lik,” said Col. Nathan T. Colunga, Special Warfare Training Wing commander. “He was a bright spot in the squadron and embodied the energy, dedication, and selflessness that defines this unit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
The Air Force says the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron leadership is escorting Etienne to Kirtland Air Force Base.
The incident remains under investigation.
“The Air Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Etienne’s wife, parents, sister and all who knew and loved him. He had been married for two weeks and recently received recognition from the Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command, Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, for his outstanding performance,” the Air Force said.
Kirtland AFB is in Albuquerque. Elephant Butte Lake is about 120 miles north of El Paso.
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