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A pilot from Alabama had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed less than a week when the refueling aircraft he was aboard crashed in Iraq, killing him and five others, his brother-in-law confirmed Saturday.
Alex Klinner, 33, leaves behind three small children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, according to his brother-in-law, James Harrill.
“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” Harrill said.
Klinner was one of three service members killed in Thursday’s crash who were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and stationed in Birmingham, according to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. On Saturday, U.S. officials identified the other two as Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.
The three additional service members who perished were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. They were identified as Capt. Seth Koval, 38, Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28.
According to U.S. Central Command, the aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting operations against Iran, when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred. Military officials stated the other plane landed safely and emphasized the crash was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.”
Klinner, a graduate of Auburn University and an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran from Birmingham, had just moved with his family into a new home, according to his wife, Libby Klinner, who shared her grief in an Instagram post.
“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” said Harrill, who helped establish a GoFundMe site for Klinner’s family. “He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”
Harrill described Klinner as an outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking and was always ready to help others. During their last meeting in January, Klinner had shoveled Harrill’s vehicle out of snow during a family wedding.
In her emotional social media post, Libby Klinner expressed heartbreak that their children would grow up without knowing their father. “They won’t get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could,” she wrote. “They won’t see how goofy and funny he was. They won’t witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself. They won’t get to feel the deep love he had for them.”
Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons served as a boom operator responsible for transferring fuel from the tanker to receiving aircraft. His mother, Cheryl Simmons, told reporters Saturday that she was making funeral arrangements for her son.
In a statement shared with Columbus television station WCMH-TV, the Simmons family expressed profound grief: “Tyler’s smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life.”
The Ohio National Guard noted that Capt. Seth Koval was an aircraft commander with 19 years of service. A Purdue University graduate, Koval served in the Indiana National Guard before transferring to an Ohio unit in 2017.
Capt. Curtis Angst, a University of Cincinnati graduate, was a pilot with 10 years of military service, according to his Air Force biography provided by the Ohio National Guard.
The KC-135 aircraft involved in the incident plays a critical role in military operations by refueling other planes in midair, allowing them to fly longer distances and sustain operations without landing. These versatile aircraft can also transport wounded personnel and conduct surveillance missions, military experts note.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. Air Force maintained 376 KC-135s as of last year, with 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard, and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. The aircraft type has been in service for more than six decades, highlighting its importance and reliability in military operations.
The crash occurred during a combat mission in western Iraq, and Central Command officials stated an investigation into the incident is underway. The loss of these six service members represents a significant blow to their units, families, and the broader military community as they served in support of U.S. operations in the Middle East.
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6 Comments
Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic crash that claimed the lives of these brave service members. My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who perished, including the Alabama father just recently deployed. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
It’s devastating when young lives are lost in the line of duty. These servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice, and we owe them and their families our deepest gratitude.
This is a devastating incident for the military and the affected communities. My sincere condolences to the families, friends and fellow servicemembers of those who perished. Their bravery and commitment to duty is truly admirable.
It’s tragic to see such young lives cut short. We owe a debt of gratitude to these individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. May their memory be a blessing.
The loss of life in this crash is truly tragic. My heart goes out to the families and communities impacted, especially the young children left without their fathers. Serving one’s country is a noble calling, but the human cost is always profound.
These service members demonstrated incredible courage and dedication. While nothing can ease the pain of their loved ones, I hope they can find some solace in knowing their sacrifice will be honored and remembered.