Six American servicemembers were killed this week after a U.S. military refueling aircraft crashed during operations tied to the conflict with Iran.
Among the victims was 33-year-old Major Alex Klinner, a newly promoted Air Force pilot and father of three young children.
Klinner had recently welcomed seven-month-old twins and was raising a two-year-old son with his wife, Libby.
Family members confirmed his death Saturday, describing him as a devoted father who loved spending time with his family.
“He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot,” his brother-in-law James Harrill said.
Klinner had just been promoted to the rank of major in January.
He had been deployed for less than a week when the KC-135 refueling aircraft on which he was aboard crashed in Iraq on Thursday.
Military officials said the aircraft went down in what they described as “friendly airspace.”
Authorities confirmed the crash was not caused by hostile fire.
The tragedy occurred during Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. military campaign targeting Iranian forces and infrastructure in the region.
Klinner’s wife, Libby, shared an emotional tribute to her husband after learning he was among those killed.
“I’m devastated to lose the best person I know, the person that made everything more fun, my best friend,” she wrote on social media.
Her message also focused on their three young children, who will now grow up without their father, per the Daily Mail.
“My heart is broken for our three kids who will grow up not knowing him,” she wrote.
The Pentagon later confirmed the identities of the six fallen service members.
They include Captain Ariana Savino, 31, of Washington state.
Tech Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky.
Captain Seth Koval, 38, of Indiana.
Captain Curtis Angst, 30, of Ohio.
And Tyler Simmons, 28, of Ohio.
Family members had earlier confirmed Simmons’ death before the official announcement.
Simmons was part of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing.
His mother broke down in tears as she described the moment uniformed officers arrived at her home to deliver the devastating news.
“When he opened the door, he said ‘Oh no,’” she said.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a KC-135 Stratotanker used for mid-air refueling operations.
A second aircraft involved in the incident sustained damage to its tail but was able to land safely.
No fatalities were reported on the second plane.
Friends and family described Klinner as an outdoorsman who loved hiking and helping others.
He graduated from Auburn University in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
The university issued a statement mourning his death.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Major Klinner’s family, fellow service members, and all who knew and loved him,” the statement said.
Lawmakers from Alabama also offered condolences following the news.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell said she was “heartbroken” by the loss of the Birmingham pilot.
Representative Dale Strong called Klinner’s sacrifice a reminder of the bravery of American service members.
“His sacrifice is a somber testament to the profound bravery of those who volunteer to protect our freedom,” Strong wrote.
In the days since the crash, a fundraiser launched to support Klinner’s family has already raised more than $500,000.
The goal is to help his wife and three young children as they cope with the devastating loss.
Friends described the fallen pilot as someone who quietly helped others whenever they needed it.
