A pilot from Alabama who had recently become a dad to adorable twins has been named as one of the six US servicemembers killed this week in Operation Epic Fury.
Alex Klinner, 33, had seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son, his brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Saturday while confirming his death.
‘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.
Klinner had just been promoted to major in January and had been deployed for less than a week when the refueling aircraft he was aboard crashed in Iraq on Thursday.
The father of three was survived by his wife, Libby, who said her world ‘shattered’ when she got the news that her husband was among the victims.
‘I’m devastated to lose the best person I know, the person that made everything more fun, my best friend,’ Libby wrote on social media. ‘But even more so, my heart is broken for our three kids who will grow up not knowing him.’
The US KC-135 plane went down in the west of the country, which authorities said was ‘friendly airspace’, and the tragedy was not caused by ‘hostile fire’. Ohio resident Tyler Simmons, 28, was also named on Friday by family members as one of the other airmen involved in the deadly crash.
A pilot from Alabama who had recently become a dad to adorable twins has been named as one of the six US servicemembers killed this week in Operation Epic Fury
Alex Klinner, 33, had seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son, his brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Saturday. Klinner is pictured above embracing his wife
The Pentagon has not announced the identities of the victims, but family members have slowly begun confirming their loved ones’ deaths.
Klinner and his young family had just moved into a new home before his deployment. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking and was fondly remembered for helping others.
‘Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,’ Harrill said. ‘He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.’
Harrill helped set up a GoFundMe page for Klinner’s widow and children to aid with any additional expenses in the wake of his death.
They remembered the father of two as a ‘devoted husband, a loving father and the kind of person who would quietly step in to help anyone who needed it.’
‘Libby and Alex built a beautiful life together and were raising three precious children: their energetic two-and-a-half-year-old and their seven-month-old twins,’ it read.
‘In an instant, Libby has been left to walk through profound grief while caring for their young family.
‘During this incredibly difficult season, we want to surround Libby and the children with the same generosity and love that Alex so freely gave to others.’
The KC-135 refueling plane went down on Thursday in ‘friendly airspace’ and a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. Picture shows the second aircraft with damage to its tail
All six members have now been confirmed dead after the crash
The fundraising page asked for $600,000 to support the family, more than $500,000 of which has already been fulfilled.
Klinner was a graduate of Auburn University in Alabama. His alma mater posted a tribute to him, mourning the tragic loss.
‘On Behalf of the Auburn Family, we extend our deepest condolences to Major Klinner’s family, fellow service member and all who knew and loved him,’ it said.
‘We honor his sacrifice and remain grateful for his service to our nation.’
Alabama Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell expressed her condolences to Klinner’s family on X.
‘I’m heartbroken to learn that Maj. Alex Klinner of Birmingham, Alabama, was among the six service members who lost their lives in the crash of a KC-135 refueling aircraft in Iraq,’ she wrote.
‘Please join me in praying for his family and honoring his selfless service to our nation.’
Tyler Simmons, 28, was identified as one of the servicemembers in the deadly crash aboard a US KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down over western Iraq
Sgt Tyer Simmons was the first of the six victims named by loved ones. He was remembered for his ‘million-dollar smile.’
Simmons’ mother broke down in tears as she recalled the moment uniformed officers appeared at their home to deliver the heartbreaking news that her only child had passed away.
‘When he (another relative) opened the door, he said, “Oh no,” and I jumped up and ran in there and they were lined up out on the porch,’ Cheryl Simmons told WBNS 10.
‘You got to be kidding me,’ she added, while covering her face as she began to sob.
Simmons, along with two other victims, was a part of the Columbus-based Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing.
This is a breaking news story with updates to follow.
