Six U.S. Service Members Killed in Military Refueling Plane Crash

The victims included an Alabama father, a Washington state captain, and several Ohio National Guard members.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:05am

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Six U.S. service members were killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq this week. The victims included an Alabama father of three who had just been promoted, a Washington state captain, and several members of the Ohio National Guard. The crash is under investigation but was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel serving overseas, especially in combat support roles like aerial refueling. The loss of these six service members will be deeply felt by their families, military units, and local communities.

The details

The refueling aircraft, a KC-135, was on a combat mission supporting operations against Iran when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred. The other plane landed safely, but the KC-135 crashed, killing all six on board. The victims included Major Alex Klinner, 33, from Alabama, who had just been promoted and deployed; Captain Ariana Savino, 31, from Washington; and Technical Sergeants Ashley Pruitt, 34, from Kentucky, Tyler Simmons, 28, and Captains Seth Koval, 38, and Curtis Angst, 30, all from Ohio.

  • The crash occurred on Thursday in western Iraq.
  • Klinner had been deployed less than a week before the crash.
  • Klinner was promoted to major in January 2026.

The players

Major Alex Klinner

A 33-year-old Alabama father of three who had just been promoted and deployed with the U.S. Air Force.

Captain Ariana Savino

A 31-year-old service member from Covington, Washington.

Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt

A 34-year-old service member from Bardstown, Kentucky.

Captain Seth Koval

A 38-year-old service member from Stoutsville, Ohio with 19 years of experience.

Captain Curtis Angst

A 30-year-old pilot from Wilmington, Ohio with 10 years of service.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like, a lot.”

— James Harrill, Brother-in-law of Major Alex Klinner

“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.”

— Cheryl Simmons, Mother of Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons

What’s next

The U.S. military is investigating the cause of the crash, which was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members, especially those in critical support roles like aerial refueling. The loss of these six individuals will be deeply felt by their families, military units, and local communities.