Military Families Mourn Six Service Members Lost in Iraq Aircraft Crash

Six U.S. service members died when their KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed during a combat mission in western Iraq this week. Among the victims were Alabama father Alex Klinner, who leaves behind three young children, and Ohio airman Tyler Simmons, remembered for his bright smile.

An Alabama father who had recently received a promotion to major died alongside five other service members when their military refueling plane went down in Iraq this week, according to his family members who spoke out Saturday.

Major Alex Klinner, 33, had only been deployed for less than a week and leaves behind three young children – infant twins who are 7 months old and a 2-year-old son, according to his brother-in-law James Harrill, who confirmed the death on Saturday.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” Harrill said.

Another victim was identified as an Ohio service member whose family recalled his infectious smile and strong presence.

While the Pentagon has not officially released the names of all six casualties, family members began sharing details about their loved ones on Saturday.

According to U.S. Central Command, the aircraft was operating in “friendly” territory during missions targeting Iran when an undisclosed incident occurred involving a second aircraft. Military officials reported the other plane made a safe landing.

The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing announced through a Friday evening Facebook statement that three of the deceased were members of their Columbus-based unit.

“We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization,” according to the 121st Air Refueling Wing’s post.

The Birmingham, Alabama native had served eight years in the U.S. Air Force and had recently relocated his family to a new residence, his wife Libby Klinner shared in a heartfelt Instagram tribute following his death.

Known for his love of outdoor activities like hiking, Klinner was always willing to lend a helping hand. During their last meeting in January, Harrill recalled how Klinner cleared snow from his car during a family wedding celebration.

“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” said Harrill, who helped set up a GoFundMe site for Klinner’s family. “He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”

In her social media tribute, Libby Klinner expressed her devastation for their children, who will never experience their father’s caring nature firsthand.

“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. They won’t get to feel the deep love he had for them.”

Sgt. Tyler Simmons from Columbus, Ohio, was also confirmed as one of the six fatalities in Thursday’s KC-135 Stratotanker accident, his mother Cheryl Simmons verified Saturday. She indicated she was beginning to arrange funeral services for her son.

Through a statement shared with WCMH-TV in Columbus, Tyler Simmons’ relatives expressed their overwhelming grief following news of the tragic crash.

“Tyler’s smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life,” they said.

U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle Eastern operations, confirmed the accident happened during a combat operation over “friendly” western Iraq territory. Military leaders stated an investigation is underway and emphasized the crash was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.”

The KC-135 serves as an aerial refueling platform, enabling other aircraft to extend their flight range and maintain operations without requiring ground stops. Military specialists note the aircraft can also transport injured personnel and perform reconnaissance duties.

Data from the Congressional Research Service indicates the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year, with 151 assigned to active duty, 163 serving with the Air National Guard, and 62 in Air Force Reserve units. The aircraft has remained in military service for over six decades.