Two airmen killed when a US aircraft crashed in Iraq have been named.
Alex Klinner, 33, was deployed less than a week before his refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on 12 March.
All six crew members were killed.
“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.
The eight-year US Air Force veteran from Birmingham, Alabama, had just moved with his family into a new home, his wife, Libby Klinner, said in a social media post.
Also aboard the aircraft was Tyler Simmons of Columbus, Ohio, his mother Cheryl Simmons confirmed.
An umbrella group of Iranian proxies called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq had claimed responsibility for downing the plane but US authorities have insisted it “was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire”.
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The aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting operations against Iran, when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred, according to US Central Command.
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The other plane landed safely, US military officials said.
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Mr Klinner leaves behind 7-month-old twins and a 2-year-old son, Mr Harrill said.
In a statement obtained by WCMH-TV in Columbus, Mr Simmons’ family said his “smile could light up any room”.
“His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life,” they added.
The Pentagon hasn’t yet confirmed the identities of the six, but families began revealing who had died on Saturday.
The Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refuelling Wing said in a social media post that three of the dead airmen had served in their unit.
“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,” they said.
