The corpses of two American soldiers who had been kidnapped more than a year ago were found in Iraq, The Associated Press reported.

Investigators identified the two bodies as belonging to Army Sergeant Alex Jimenez from Lawrence, Massachusetts, and Private Byron Fouty of Waterford, Michigan. The names of the soldiers were released by the AP which cited the families of the victims, but the Defense Department did not confirm the discoveries yet. However, the Pentagon officials said the announcement will be made by the military today.

When he received the bad news, Jimenez's father, Ramon “Andy” Jimenez, said all hopes that his son will come back home were shattered. On the other hand, Fouty's stepfather described the moment when he was informed about the findings in Iraq as “a very sad relief.”

The bodies of the two U.S. soldiers along with the body one of their comrades were identified by their dental records.

Sergeant Alex Jimenez, a 25-year-old Army specialist, was kidnapped with some other members of the Second Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division during a patrol after being ambushed near Baghdad. Four other members of that unit and an Iraqi translator were also killed.

Private First Class Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif., was found dead in a river eleven days after he had been kidnapped, while Private Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich., who was kidnapped with Jimenez, was found by local authorities Wednesday.

A community which embraced the Jimenez family strongly supported Andy Jimenez, a 54-year-old carpenter. An American flag hung from his home and close to it was a sign that read "Until they are home."

"Hopefully we can just be here for them in anything that they need," said City Councilor Grisel Silva according to Boston.com.