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Air Force Major Alex Kinner Among Six Killed in Iraq Crash
A recently promoted U.S. Air Force major was among six service members killed in a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in Iraq during a non-combat incident now under investigation.
Alex kinner family photos by Aviation 24/7 facebook page shared by his wife.
A U.S. Air Force pilot from Alabama, who had been promoted to major earlier this year and deployed for less than a week, was among six personnel killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, according to officials and family members on Saturday.
Maj. Alex Klinner, 33, was identified as one of the deceased. His brother-in-law, James Harrill, confirmed that Klinner is survived by three young children, including 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son. Harrill described him as a deeply devoted father who cared immensely for his family.
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Klinner was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and was based in Birmingham, Alabama, officials said. The other two members of the same unit who died were identified as Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.
Three additional airmen killed in the crash were from the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. They were named as Capt. Seth Koval, 38, Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28.
There were some discrepancies in reported hometowns. Federal officials listed Koval as being from Mooresville, Indiana, while the Ohio National Guard cited Stoutsville, Ohio. Angst and Simmons were both listed by the Guard as being from Columbus, though federal records identified Angst as from Wilmington, Ohio.
U.S. Central Command stated that the aircraft was operating in “friendly” airspace in support of missions related to Iran when an unspecified midair incident involving another aircraft occurred. The second aircraft landed safely. Military officials emphasized that the crash was not the result of enemy or friendly fire and is still under investigation.
Klinner, an eight-year Air Force veteran and Auburn University graduate, had recently relocated with his family to a new home, his wife, Libby Klinner, shared in a social media tribute. She expressed heartbreak over the loss and the impact it will have on their children growing up without their father.
Family and friends remembered Klinner as an outdoors enthusiast who loved hiking and was always ready to lend a hand. Harrill recalled his kindness, describing him as a generous and dependable person.
Tyler Simmons served as a boom operator, responsible for refueling aircraft mid-flight, according to his Air Force biography. His mother, Cheryl Simmons, said she is currently making funeral arrangements.
In a family statement, Simmons was remembered as someone whose presence and smile brought warmth to those around him.
The Ohio National Guard said Koval had 19 years of service as an aircraft commander. He graduated from Purdue University and previously served in the Indiana National Guard before transferring to Ohio in 2017. Angst, a pilot with a decade of service, graduated from the University of Cincinnati.
According to U.S. Central Command, the crash occurred during a combat-related mission but within non-hostile territory. The KC-135 aircraft is used to refuel planes midair, allowing extended missions without landing, and can also transport injured personnel or conduct surveillance.
The Congressional Research Service reports that the Air Force operates 376 KC-135 aircraft across active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve units. The aircraft has been in service for over six decades.
Editor’s Note:
This report underscores the human cost of military operations, even in incidents not caused by combat. The loss of experienced personnel, including a recently promoted officer and young parents, highlights the risks service members face in carrying out critical missions. Their dedication and sacrifice remain central to ongoing defense efforts.
