Bardstown Soldier Killed in Refueling Accident Honored

Funeral arrangements announced for U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:30pm

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A photorealistic painting of a solitary military aircraft refueling boom in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of solemn reflection on the sacrifices of service members.The dignified transfer and funeral services for Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt will allow her Bardstown community to come together and honor her military service.Today in Birmingham

Funeral arrangements have been released for U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, a 34-year-old soldier from Bardstown, Kentucky who was killed in a plane refueling accident in western Iraq on March 12. Pruitt, who had nearly 900 combat flight hours and two associate degrees, will be honored with a dignified transfer and escort through Bardstown before her funeral on April 11.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Technical Sgt. Pruitt, who served her country for nine years with multiple overseas deployments, is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military. Her funeral and memorial services will allow the Bardstown community to come together to grieve the loss and honor her service.

The details

Pruitt was an assistant flight chief of operations and an instructor in operating the boom of a KC-135 air tanker. She was one of six soldiers killed when the KC-135 went down in western Iraq on March 12. Pruitt's body will arrive at Samuels Field Airport in Bardstown on April 9 for a dignified transfer and escort to the funeral home. Her funeral will be held on April 11 at New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.

  • Pruitt's body will arrive at Samuels Field Airport in Bardstown on Thursday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m.
  • Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home.
  • Pruitt's funeral will be on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.

The players

U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

A 34-year-old soldier from Bardstown, Kentucky who was killed in a plane refueling accident in western Iraq on March 12. She had nearly 900 combat flight hours and two associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.

Gregory Pruitt

The husband of U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt.

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What’s next

The community is expected to gather to pay their respects during the dignified transfer and funeral services for Technical Sgt. Pruitt.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Technical Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, a dedicated soldier who served her country for nine years, is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military. Her funeral will allow the Bardstown community to honor her service and grieve her loss.