A 29-year-old member of the U.S. Air Force was found dead along a German highway this week and authorities are not releasing the circumstances of his death.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Vandervort of Orange, California was a medical technician stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base. He was discovered Tuesday on the A60 autobahn near the base.

"Each and every person in this wing is a tremendously valuable member of Saber Nation," Col. Jason Bailey, commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing, said in a statement posted to the base's website.

"This loss affects the entire Spangdahlem community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and wingmen. We are doing everything possible to support them during this difficult time."

Vandervort was assigned to the 52nd Medical Operations Squadron as a First-Term Airman Course instructor. He leaves his wife Zena and his parents, Tamara Ports and Rocky Vandervort.

Vandervort first entered the Air Force in 2009.

The base did not specify how Vandervort was found, only that he was declared dead on July 31 at 2:20 p.m.