Pentagon Names Six Fallen Heroes Killed in KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crash in Iraq

The Pentagon on Saturday identified all six American airmen killed in the horrific KC-135 crash over western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury.

As The Gateway Pundit reported earlier this week, the U.S. Central Command first confirmed a KC-135 refueling aircraft had gone down over “friendly airspace,” with the status of the six crew members unknown.

We followed up as four were confirmed dead, then all six lost in what officials insist was NOT due to hostile or friendly fire – just another “incident” under investigation while American forces support strikes against the Iranian regime.

US Central Command announced on Thursday:

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft.

The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident.

One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the second landed safely.

This was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.

More information will be made available as the situation develops.

We ask for continued patience to gather additional details and provide clarity for the families of service members.

U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 12, 2026

The fallen heroes were identified as:

• Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Alabama
• Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Washington
• Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky
• Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Indiana
• Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Ohio
• Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Ohio

According to the Pentagon, Maj. Klinner, Capt. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Pruitt were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

While Koval, Angst, and Simmons were affiliated with the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard, this heartbreaking loss affected both active-duty and Guard families deeply.

Maj. Klinner’s sister-in-law, Sarah Rose Harrill, has launched a GoFundMe.

According to the fundraising campaign:

We are raising funds for my sister, Libby Klinner, as she navigates the unimaginable loss of her husband, Alex.

Alex proudly served our country as a Major in the United States Air Force for eight years. He was recently deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury, and on March 12, 2026, Alex made the ultimate sacrifice when his KC-135 plane crashed in western Iraq while serving his country.

Alex was more than a serviceman. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the kind of person who would quietly step in to help anyone who needed it. He embodied what it means to be a servant leader. His loss has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Libby and Alex built a beautiful life together and were raising three precious children: their energetic two-and-a-half-year-old and their seven-month-old twins. In an instant, Libby has been left to walk through profound grief while caring for their young family.

During this incredibly difficult season, we want to surround Libby and the children with the same generosity and love that Alex so freely gave to others.

Funds raised will go directly to Libby and her children to help support their needs as they navigate life without Alex, providing stability, care, and the ability to focus on healing in the months and years ahead.

We are fervently praying for peace and strength over this family and trust that God will surround them with His comfort and supernatural peace.

If you feel led to give, please know that any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference for Libby and her children. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping this family in your prayers is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for helping us honor Alex’s legacy by caring for the family he loved so dearly.Alabama airman and father of 3, Major Alex Klinner, identified as one of the six Americans who was killed when a KC-135 crashed in Iraq.

Klinner was a father to a two-and-a-half-year-old and seven-month-old twins.

His wife, Libby, posted the following on Instagram:

“On March… pic.twitter.com/oNNUYDin8Y

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 14, 2026

Other current reporting says the crash occurred after an incident involving two aircraft, with a second tanker landing safely in Israel, though the precise cause has not yet been publicly established. Officials have emphasized that the matter remains under formal investigation.

Rest in Peace.

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