Six US service members were killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed over western Iraq on Thursday, the Pentagon confirmed on Saturday. The tragedy occurred during an incident involving two aircraft in friendly airspace. Officials said the loss was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The crew members have been identified as Maj John “Alex” Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Capt Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Tech Sgt Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Capt Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tech Sgt Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. Klinner had recently been promoted to major and had been deployed for less than a week. His family described him as a devoted husband and father to three young children, including seven-month-old twins and a two-year-old son. “It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: he was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot – like a lot,” said his brother-in-law, James Harrill. Harrill shared on Instagram that Klinner’s presence brought calm and safety to those around him. “Over the past 24 hours, my family has experienced an unimaginable loss,” he wrote. “Alex served his country with courage and conviction, and the way he loved his family was even more extraordinary.” Simmons’s family expressed similar grief. In a statement, they said, “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.” The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing confirmed that three of the victims were members of its Columbus-based unit. In a statement posted on social media, the unit said, “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.” The crash involved a KC-135 Stratotanker, a key aerial refueling aircraft used by the US Air Force. US Central Command said the incident involved two aircraft in western Iraq. While the tanker that crashed was lost, the other aircraft safely landed in Israel. This incident brings the US death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13 service members. Seven were killed in combat, while around 140 have been injured, including eight seriously, according to Pentagon reports earlier this week. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored the fallen aircrew, calling them heroes who served with dedication and bravery. The Pentagon emphasized that the crash was not related to enemy action and that the cause remains under review. Families of the victims continue to mourn their losses, highlighting the personal sacrifices made by service members in active duty. Tributes have poured in from fellow service members, friends, and communities who remembered the victims’ dedication to both country and family. The US military has reiterated its commitment to supporting the families of the fallen and ensuring safety measures for personnel deployed overseas. The incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by service members in operational missions, even outside direct combat situations. The names of those lost in the crash will be added to the official roll of service members who gave their lives in Operation Epic Fury, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice made while carrying out duties in a challenging operational environment.