A pilot from Alabama had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed for less than a week when the refueling aircraft he was aboard crashed in Iraq this week, killing him and five others, according to officials.
Major Alex Klinner, 33, leaves behind a wife and three small children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, as confirmed by his brother-in-law, James Harrill. “It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family,” Harrill admitted.
Along with Klinner, the U.S. government identified Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Washington, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, from Kentucky, as victims of the crash. Three additional service members were also confirmed dead: Capt. Seth Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28.
The aircraft experienced an incident while on a combat mission over “friendly” territory in Iraq, supporting operations against Iran. Specifics of the crash remain under investigation.
Klinner, an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran and an alumnus of Auburn University, had just moved into a new home with his family. Described as an outdoorsman with a kind-hearted nature, he was deeply involved in his family’s life, and his wife expressed her heartbreak for their children who will not know their father personally.
Simmons' family described him as someone whose smile could light up a room, while Koval was reported to have 19 years of service in the military. This tragic event has left family members grief-stricken as they cope with the loss of their loved ones.
The KC-135 aircraft, which plays a critical role in U.S. air operations, has been in service for over 60 years, regularly conducting midair refueling missions to support military operations globally. More than 370 of these aircraft are currently operated by the U.S. military.
