Airman was married two weeks before he was found dead in Elephant Butte Lake, officials say
Update (May 27, 2025): Air Force officials just identified the airman as Airman First Class Me’lik Etienne, 22. He was assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base. Air Force officials say that Etienne's body was recovered after a "drowning incident" at Elephant Butte Lake.
Officials say that Etienne had been married for two weeks before his death. He had recently been received recognition from the Deputy Commander of Air Education and Training Command, Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, for his outstanding performance.
"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."
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The body of an airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base was recovered from Elephant Butte Lake Monday afternoon.
According to a release from Kirtland Air Force Base, the airman, who has not been identified pending notification of next of kin, went missing Saturday evening at the lake.
An extensive search and rescue effort was unable to find the airman, and switched to a recovery operation by Monday.
Multiple agencies took part in the efforts, including the New Mexico State Park Rangers, Elephant Butte Fire Department, New Mexico Department of Fish and Game, New Mexico State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety Divers and the Combat Search and Rescue Team from the 306th Rescue Squadron from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
The incident remains under investigation.
