The body of a missing U.S. Air Force pilot whose F-16 fighter jet went missing on Monday after take off for a training exercise from Aviano Air Base, Italy, has been located in the Adriatic Sea.

According to NBC News, the family of 32-year-old Lucas Gruenther, whose body was found on Thursday afternoon, has now released the following statement:

"A compassionate husband, a loving son, and a devoted brother; Luc leaves behind a family who loves him dearly and a legacy of achievement. We will never fully recover from our loss, but take heart in the knowledge that during his all-too-short time in this world, he made a significant difference in the lives of all whom he met."

Earlier this week, fragments of carbon steel and other pieces of debris were found floating in the northern Adriatic. At that point in time, the Air Force believed that the debris came from the wreckage of the missing plane and continued on with its search-and-rescue operation.

The family of Greunther had kept its optimism up and his wife Casey posted an upbeat message on Aviano in regards to the F-16 pilot.

"If anyone could survive something like this it would be Luc," she wrote.

It wasn't until later that officials confirmed that Greunther's parachute and helmet were found within the debris in the water.

However, after hearing about the respective findings, Casey still kept her hopes up.

"That's why I know he's coming home. If he has his mind set on something, he will find a way to make it happen. He'll find a way; whatever he has to do," she posted on the site.

NBC Bay Area stated that Greunther was from Twaine Harte, Calif. Casey, who is his high school sweetheart, is expecting the couple's first child, Serene, in a couple of weeks.

The Greunther family gave thanks to "the many people who volunteered their time and resources to help bring Luc home."

The search for Luc had included aircrafts and ships from the U.S. and Italy.

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