A tragic loss has struck Alabama and the nation as a devoted father and skilled pilot, Alex Klinner, has been identified among the six U.S. servicemembers who perished in Operation Epic Fury this week. His life, filled with promise and dedication to family and country, was cut short in a devastating accident.

At just 33 years old, Klinner had recently embraced fatherhood with the arrival of his seven-month-old twins, alongside his two-year-old son. The heart-wrenching news was confirmed by Klinner’s brother-in-law, James Harrill, who shared the profound impact of his passing. “It’s truly heartbreaking to say,” Harrill expressed, “He was an incredible father who deeply loved his family.”

In January, Klinner achieved a significant milestone in his career by being promoted to the rank of major. His deployment had just begun, with less than a week in Iraq, when tragedy struck the refueling aircraft he was aboard on Thursday.

Left to grapple with this immense loss is Klinner’s wife, Libby, who described her world as “shattered” upon learning of her husband’s untimely death. In a heartfelt message shared online, Libby conveyed her devastation, saying, “I’m heartbroken to lose the best person I know, my partner in all things fun, my closest friend.” Her sorrow extends deeply to their children, who face a future without the guiding presence of their father. “My heart breaks for our three kids who will grow up not knowing him,” she wrote, capturing the profound void left in their lives.

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

Klinner’s wife Libby (right) mourned the loss of her husband on social media before deactivating her profiles

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.  They had lived in Birmingham since 2022.

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.’ 

Klinner was an outdoorsman and grdauate of Auburn University

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

The fundraising page asked for $600,000 to support the family, more than $500,000 of which has already been fulfilled. 

Klinner graduated from Auburn University in 2016 with a degree in mechanical engineering, per AL.com. 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.’

Representative Dale Strong also took to social media to compliment Klinner’s ‘bravery’ and express his condolences. 

‘All of Alabama mourns the loss of Maj. Alex Klinner. Please join me in praying for his family and loved ones,’ he wrote.  

‘His sacrifice is a somber testament to the profound bravery of those who volunteer to protect our freedom.’

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.