Lucas Gruenther

Captain Lucas Gruenther, age 32, of Twaine Harte, California, died in the line of duty on January 28, 2013. 

He was killed when his F-16 fighter jet disappeared after taking off from Aviano Air Base in Italy. He was taking part in a nighttime training mission. 

His plane crashed and his body has been recovered from the Adriatic Sea. 

He was known as Luc to his family and friends. 

He graduated from Summerville High School in 1999. Lucas was based at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. 

Lucas was a 2005 graduate of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. After he graduated, he stayed at the Sheppard Base and became a T-37 instructor pilot until 2008. He had previously served a 6 month tour in Afghanistan. 

Military officials stated that Lucas passed on knowledge and skills to his students that is invaluable. He is described as an outstanding officer, a first-rate pilot and an exceptional leader. He will be sorely missed. 

Light a candle for Luc.
Light his way to Heaven. 

Family members describe Lucas as a compassionate husband, a loving son, and a devoted brother, who will be forever missed. 

He is also described as a health nut, who spoke fluent Italian, loved sky diving, rock climbing and scuba diving.

Lucas is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother, Romel Mathias; and his pregnant wife, Cassy. 

Thank you for serving, Luc. 

Pray for those who die by misadventure.  They are with us one moment and gone the next.  Amen. 

Let us pray that Lucas Gruenther is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.