Remains of Ohio Airmen Killed in Iraq Crash to Return Home

Ohio governor to attend dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base

Mar. 18, 2026 at 3:16am

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The remains of three Ohio Air National Guard members killed in an air refueling mission over Iraq last week will be returned to the U.S. through a dignified transfer ceremony on Wednesday. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will travel to Dover Air Force Base to pay his respects to the fallen service members.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of these three Ohio airmen, along with three other U.S. Air Force members, has deeply impacted the local community. The dignified transfer ceremony is an important ritual to honor the service and sacrifice of those who died in the line of duty.

The details

The Ohio Air National Guard members killed in the crash were identified as 38-year-old Capt. Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana, 30-year-old Capt. Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio, and 28-year-old Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio. The crash also claimed the lives of three members of the Air Force's 6th Air Refueling Wing, including 34-year-old Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, a mother of two. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but U.S. Central Command has stated it was not due to hostile or friendly fire.

  • The crash occurred last Thursday, March 13, 2026.
  • The dignified transfer ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who will travel to Dover Air Force Base to pay respects to the fallen airmen.

Capt. Seth R. Koval

A 38-year-old Ohio Air National Guard member killed in the air refueling mission crash over Iraq.

Capt. Curtis J. Angst

A 30-year-old Ohio Air National Guard member killed in the air refueling mission crash over Iraq.

Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons

A 28-year-old Ohio Air National Guard member killed in the air refueling mission crash over Iraq.

Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt

A 34-year-old mother of two and member of the Air Force's 6th Air Refueling Wing killed in the air refueling mission crash over Iraq.

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What they’re saying

“He died doing what he loved most: flying and serving alongside the people he cared deeply about.”

— Capt. Curtis J. Angst's family

What’s next

Military officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and funeral arrangements for the fallen airmen have not yet been announced.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the immense sacrifice made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces, even in routine training missions. The dignified transfer ceremony is an important ritual to honor their service and provide comfort to their loved ones and communities.