Gila County, Arizona – The body of an Air Force sergeant who was missing in Lake Roosevelt since Wednesday was found.
The Gila County Sheriff’s Office said Corey Wade was found Saturday after days of search and rescue operations.
355th Wing Commander Col. Scott Mills said he was “sad to confirm the death of Sergeant Cory Wade, whose body was found following an exhaustive search on Lake Roosevelt.” “Sergeant Wade was an exemplary airman and consummate professional during his time with the 48th Rescue Squadron, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are, To Sergeant Wade’s family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”
Wade was reported missing Wednesday afternoon during a training exercise to support Operation Jump.
The details of Wade’s cause of death are still under investigation.
Friends of Wade, who were stationed on Guam together several years ago, told ABC15 that Wade was competitive, athletic and funny.
Annabelle Williams, who lived on the Guam base, played softball with her team. She and Anthony Berry formed a team of military and civilian personnel.
“When you saw his name and heard about him, I wanted you to know that he was a really great guy, fun to be around and athletically a great teammate. ’” Williams said of Wade.
Berry told ABC15 that he often saw Wade after working at the base. They were both stationed on Guam, but their jobs were different.
Berry and Wade remained in frequent contact after they left Guam and returned to the United States. Berry went to Wyoming and Wade went to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.
“We stayed tight the whole time. When we needed someone to talk to off-grid, he would talk to me and I would talk to him as well,” Berry said. “I’m so shocked that I don’t have anyone to talk to him now.”
Berry and Williams said they were supposed to meet Wade next weekend at a softball tournament. Even with the news of his death, they will continue to hold tournaments, but also to honor him.