A 33-year-old Alabama father of three has been identified as one of the six service members killed when an Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq, his devastated brother-in-law confirmed.
Major Alex Klinner, a seven-year US Air Force veteran who had deployed less than a week before the deadly crash, was aboard the doomed US Air Force KC-135 Stratontanker when it collided with another tanker over “friendly airspace” on Thursday.
“It’s kind of heartbreaking to say: He was just a really good dad and really loved his family a lot — like a lot,” his brother-in-law, James Harrill, said Saturday.
Maj. Alex Kilnner was among the six service members killed when an Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq. AP The Birmingham resident, who enjoyed hiking and being outdoors, leaves behind 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, Harrill said.
The Auburn University grad was remembered as someone who was always ready to help others.
“Alex was one of those guys that had this steady command about him,” said Harrill, who helped launched a GoFundMe for his grief-stricken family.
Klinner was a married father of 3, alongside being a seven-year US Air Force veteran. GoFundMe “He was literally one of the most kindest, giving people.”
Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, from Columbus, Ohio, was also identified as being on the deadly flight.
A total of 13 American service members have been killed since combat operations began Feb. 28. About 140 US forces have been wounded, eight of them severely, the Pentagon said earlier this week.
