Beloved young dad and inspiring female ‘Air Force superstar’ among US heroes killed in Iran mission crash as all six are named

The names of all six heroes killed in Operation Epic Fury this week have been revealed; Among them are a young father and a “superstar” female pilot.

The War Department named Major John ‘Alex’ Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst and Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons as those killed in Thursday’s crash.

The US KC-135 aircraft crashed in the west of the country, which officials said was in ‘friendly airspace’, and the tragedy was not caused by ‘enemy fire’.

Alex Klinner, 33, had seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son, his brother-in-law James Harrill confirmed on Saturday.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say this: He was a really good father and he really loved his family, a lot,” Harrill said. he said.

Klinner had just been promoted to the rank of major in January and had been on duty for less than a week when the refueling plane he was in crashed in Iraq on Thursday.

His wife, Libby Klinner, a father of three, said her world was ‘shattered’ when she heard the news that her husband was among the victims.

“I am devastated to have lost the best person I have ever known, the person who made everything more fun, my best friend,” Libby wrote on social media.

‘But more importantly, my heart breaks for our three children who will grow up not knowing him.’

31-year-old Captain Ariana Savino died in a horrific crash in Iraq on Thursday.

Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, 34, was from Bardstown, Kentucky.

Captain Seth Koval, 38, was one of the victims of the refueling plan accident

Curtis Angst, 30, was from Wilmington, Ohio, and was among those killed.

28-year-old Tyler Simmons died during a refueling flight

When Klinner died, he had been deployed less than a week and his young family had just moved into a new home. They had lived in Birmingham since 2022.

He was fondly remembered as an outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking and helping others.

‘Alex was one of those guys who constantly held his own,’ Harrill said. ‘He was truly one of the kindest people who helped people.’

Harrill helped found an organization GoFundMe Page for Klinner’s widow and children to assist with additional expenses following his death.

They paid tribute to the downed pilot as ‘a devoted husband, a loving father and the kind of person who would quietly step in to help anyone in need’.

Klinner’s wife Libby (right) mourned the loss of her husband on social media before deleting their profile

Klinner was an outdoorsman and graduate of Auburn University

‘Libby and Alex have built a beautiful life together and are raising three precious children: their energetic two-and-a-half-year-old and seven-month-old twins.’

‘Libby suddenly had to face deep pain while caring for her 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 showed to others.’

The fundraising page asked for $600,000 to support the family, with more than $500,000 of that already fulfilled.

Klinner graduated from Auburn University in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering. AL.com.

His alma mater paid tribute to him, mourning his tragic loss.

“On behalf of the Auburn Family, we extend our deepest condolences to Major Klinner’s family, his fellow soldier, and everyone who knew and loved him,” the statement said.

‘We honor his sacrifice and remain grateful for his service to our nation.’

Image: A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refueling a Navy Super Hornet during Operation Epic Fury early Thursday

The KC-135 refueling plane crashed in ‘friendly airspace’ on Thursday and a second aircraft involved landed safely. Pictured is the second plane with tail damage.

Alabama Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell offered her condolences to Klinner’s family. X.

‘I was heartbroken to learn that Major Alex Klinner of Birmingham, Alabama, was among six soldiers killed when a KC-135 refueling plane crashed in Iraq,’ he wrote.

‘Please join me in praying for his family and honoring his selfless service to our nation.’

Representative Dale Strong also social media Praising Klinner’s ‘bravery’ and expressing condolences.

‘All of Alabama mourns the loss of Major Alex Klinner,’ he wrote.

‘Please join me in praying for his family and loved ones.’

‘His sacrifice is a somber testament to the profound courage of those who volunteer to protect our freedom.’

Tyler Simmons, 28, was identified as one of the soldiers who served in the fatal crash of a US KC-135 refueling plane over western Iraq.

Tyler Simmons, 28, of Ohio, was also named by family members Friday as one of the other airmen involved in the fatal crash.

Simmons was the first of six victims named by relatives. He was remembered for his ‘million dollar smile’.

Simmons’ mother broke down in tears as she recalled the moment uniformed officers arrived at their home to deliver the heartbreaking news that her only child had died.

“When she (another relative) opened the door, she said, ‘Oh no,’ so I jumped up and ran inside and they were lined up on the porch,” said Cheryl Simmons. WBNS10.

‘You’ve got to be kidding me,’ she added, covering her face as she began to cry.

Simmons, along with the other two victims, was part of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing, based in Columbus.

The second plane involved in the accident had minor damage to its tail but landed safely. No deaths were reported on the ship.