The U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed the tragic passing of Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an esteemed aviation survival technician based at USCG Air Station Astoria in Oregon. Jaggers succumbed to injuries on Thursday, following his involvement in a critical medical evacuation mission near Cape Flattery, Washington.
On February 27, during the rescue mission, Jaggers sustained severe injuries and was subsequently placed on life support. The details of the mission and his injuries were outlined by both the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association (GCHRSA).
Surrounded by his family, including his parents, sister, and fiancé, as well as friends and his Coast Guard comrades, Jaggers passed away at Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Washington. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her condolences, highlighting the gratitude for Jaggers’ dedicated service in a heartfelt social media tribute.
In a testament to his exemplary service, Jaggers had been meritoriously advanced to the rank of AST2. This advancement recognized his unwavering commitment to achieving qualifications, his role as a mentor to aspiring swimmer candidates, and his outstanding performance in operational missions.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers died after a mission off the Washington state coast. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
Prior to his death, Jaggers was meritoriously advanced to AST2 for his “relentless drive in qualifications, the mentorship he consistently provided to swimmer candidates, and his exceptional performance across operational missions,” according to officials.
He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross — one of the nation’s highest awards for heroism in aerial flight — by the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers leaves behind his parents, sister, fiancé, friends and Coast Guard teammates. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
“Through his selfless service and sacrifice, AST2 Jaggers exemplified the finest legacies of Coast Guard service, and the sacred oath of the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community: So Others May Live,’” officials wrote in the statement.
The GCHRSA said it is actively coordinating support for Jaggers’ family and the aircrew at Air Station Astoria.
Authorities provided limited details about the mission. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., said Coast Guard crews “never waver in rushing to the water to save lives and that’s what Tyler Jaggers was doing when he was injured.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, along with the entire United States Coast Guard and the team based in Astoria,” Gluesenkamp Perez wrote in a statement on X.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers poses for a photo with a group of Coast Guardsmen in this undated photo. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
Additional details about the mission have not yet been released.
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