An Alabama pilot, recently promoted to major in January and deployed for less than a week, was among six fatalities when the refueling aircraft he was on crashed in Iraq this week, his brother-in-law confirmed Saturday.
Alex Klinner, 33, is survived by his three young children: 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, according to his brother-in-law, James Harrill, who confirmed his passing on Saturday.
“It’s truly heartbreaking to say: He was an exceptionally good father and deeply cherished his family,” Harrill stated.
An Ohio man, remembered by his loved ones for his radiant smile, was also on board the aircraft, his parents reported.
While the Pentagon has not yet disclosed the identities of the six victims, their families started to identify them on Saturday.
U.S. Central Command reported that the aircraft was operating in “friendly” airspace, supporting anti-Iran operations, when an unspecified incident with another plane took place. U.S. military officials confirmed the other aircraft landed safely.
Late Friday, the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing announced via a Facebook post that three of the deceased were airmen from their Columbus-based unit.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to their loved ones, and we must honor the significant contributions these Airmen made to their nation and the lasting impact they had on our unit,” the 121st Air Refueling Wing’s post read.
A Recent Father and Newly Promoted Major
Klinner, an eight-year U.S. Air Force veteran hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, had recently relocated to a new home with his family, his wife, Libby Klinner, shared in an Instagram post lamenting his loss.
An avid outdoorsman who loved hiking, Klinner was also known for his willingness to assist others. Harrill recalled that the last time he saw Klinner in January, Klinner had helped shovel his vehicle out of snow during a family wedding.
“Alex possessed a calm authority about him,” stated Harrill, who assisted in establishing a GoFundMe page for Klinner’s family. “He was truly one of the most compassionate and generous individuals.”
Libby Klinner expressed in a post that her heart aches for their children, who will mature without the presence of their father.
“They will not experience firsthand his eagerness to help in any capacity,” she penned. “They will miss his playful and humorous nature. They will not witness his selflessness, his tendency to prioritize others before himself. They will not feel the profound love he held for them.”
A Man Known for His Bright Smile
Sgt. Tyler Simmons, from Columbus, Ohio, was also identified among the six service members killed Thursday in the KC-135 Stratotanker crash, his mother, Cheryl Simmons, confirmed Saturday. Cheryl Simmons indicated she was arranging funeral services for her son.
Tyler Simmons’ family, in a statement acquired by WCMH-TV in Columbus, conveyed their immeasurable sorrow upon learning of the fatal accident.
“Tyler’s smile had the power to illuminate any space, and his commanding presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family, and friends are overwhelmed with grief at this loss,” they stated.
The Refueling Aircraft: A Pillar of the U.S. Military
U.S. Central Command, responsible for operations in the Middle East, reported that the crash happened during a combat mission over “friendly” territory in western Iraq. Military officials stated that an investigation is underway and confirmed it was “not due to hostile or friendly fire.”
The KC-135 aircraft performs aerial refueling for other planes, enabling extended flight durations and sustained operations without requiring a landing. Military experts note that the aircraft can also be utilized for transporting injured personnel and executing surveillance missions.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force possessed 376 KC-135s last year, comprising 151 active-duty units, 163 in the Air National Guard, and 62 in the Air Force Reserve. This aircraft model has been operational for over six decades.