Search Teams Recover Kirtland Airman’s Body from Elephant Butte Lake

Kirtland Air Force Base, NM –

Search and rescue teams recovered an Airman assigned to Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) from Elephant Butte Lake at approximately 12:55 PM on May 26, 2025. KAFB says the deceased soldier has been identified as Airman First Class Me’lik Etienne.

Airman Etienne had gone missing the evening of May 24, 2025, while at the lake.

Despite extensive efforts, rescuers were unable to locate Airman Etienne, prompting a transition from a rescue to a recovery operation.

Multiple agencies assisted in the search and recovery, including New Mexico State Park Rangers, Elephant Butte Fire and Rescue Department (EBFRD), New Mexico Department of Fish and Game (NMDGF), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), Texas Department of Public Safety Divers (TXPSD), and the Combat Search and Rescue Team from the 306th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

Airman Etienne, 22, was assigned to the 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron.

KAFB release states “the incident remains under investigation, and additional information will be released as appropriate.“