HOUSTON – A recent tragedy has left a community and a family heartbroken as six U.S. service members, including a new father and recently promoted Major, were killed in a plane crash in Iraq. Among the deceased was 33-year-old Alex Klinner, an Alabama native, who had just been promoted to Major in January and had been deployed for less than a week when the incident occurred.
Klinner, a pilot with the 6th Air Refueling Wing, was assisting with operations against Iran when the crash happened on March 9, 2026. His aircraft was supporting military missions in “friendly” airspace when an unspecified incident involving another plane led to the tragic crash. Despite efforts by emergency responders, Klinner succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a nearby medical facility.
Klinner leaves behind his wife, Libby, and three young children, including 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son. His brother-in-law, James Harrill, shared the pain of the family’s loss, remembering Klinner as a devoted father who had an undeniable presence. “He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” Harrill said.
The crash also claimed the lives of five other service members: Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Washington; Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky; Capt. Seth Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, all of whom were part of the U.S. Air Force’s refueling teams. These service members had been on a mission to keep operations running smoothly by refueling aircraft mid-flight, a critical role in extended air missions.
Simmons’ mother, Cheryl Simmons, described her son as having a “smile that could light up any room,” while Koval was remembered for his 19 years of service and leadership. Angst, a pilot with 10 years of service, was described as a kind and giving individual, always ready to help others, just like Klinner.
Libby Klinner, in a heartfelt social media post, mourned the loss of her husband, reflecting on the impact he would have had on their children’s lives. “They won’t get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could,” she wrote. “They won’t see how goofy and funny he was. They won’t witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself.”
The U.S. Central Command has assured the public that the incident, though tragic, was not caused by hostile or friendly fire and remains under investigation. The KC-135 refueling aircraft, which has been in service for over 60 years, plays a vital role in sustaining military operations by refueling aircraft in mid-air, extending their range and mission capabilities.
As the investigation continues, the families of these fallen heroes are left to grieve the untimely loss of their loved ones, and their colleagues and the military community continue to honor their memory and service.
The post Alabama Pilot Among Six Killed in Aircraft Crash in Iraq first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
