KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Fairbanks Police Department has confirmed that after extensive recovery efforts, the remains of Staff Sgt. Christian Diaz were recovered by response personnel at approximately 7:00 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time, June 29, near Fairbanks, Alaska.
Diaz was originally declared missing after an off-duty kayaking accident on June 27.
“We are heartbroken to hear the confirmation of Christian’s loss,” said Col. Kathryn Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander. “On behalf of the 8th Fighter Wing, I extend my deepest condolences to Christian’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who are hurting alongside them.”
Staff Sgt. Diaz was an F-16 avionics craftsman who forward deployed to Eielson Air Force Base in support of Exercise Red Flag 25-2 with the 35th Fighter Generation Squadron. He arrived at Kunsan in November 2024.
Please direct all further inquiries to 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs at 8fw.pa@us.af.mil.