Recovery efforts following Tuesday’s helicopter crash near Grimma, Saxony, concluded Thursday with the discovery of the third missing crew member, confirmed deceased.

“Our concerns have sadly been confirmed; the death of the third crew member deeply saddens the entire German Armed Forces and me” stated Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The incident resulted in the loss of a female soldier and two male soldiers while on duty serving the nation.

Salvage operations at the crash site remain ongoing two days after the accident. Minister Pistorius has requested continued discretion and restraint near the location to ensure the work of the remaining emergency personnel is not disrupted.