A Kentuckian has been identified as one of the crew members who died in the crash of a refueling aircraft during a combat mission supporting the U.S. war on Iran.
Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, was among six Air Force personnel who died when their KC-135 aircraft crashed Thursday in Iraq. The Pentagon has said the crash in friendly territory involved another aircraft that landed safely and was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.
Pruitt is the second Kentuckian to die in the war that began on Feb. 28. Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, died after being injured in an Iranian attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 1, the day after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Pruitt belonged to the 6th Air Refueling Wing based at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
The others killed in the crash of the refueling aircraft are Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.
Their deaths bring to 13 the number of U.S. military personnel killed in the war on Iran.
Iran told the United Nations last week that at least 1,348 civilians have been killed there since the war began. In Lebanon officials say 826 people have been killed. At least 12 people have been killed in Israel.
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, writing on social media, said, “I am sad to share that Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt of Bardstown was one of the six service members killed in an aircraft crash in Iraq. Kentucky, please join Britainy and me as we pray for her family — and for the family of her fellow Kentuckian Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Glendale — during this difficult time. They are two American heroes who called our commonwealth home.”
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, said on social media, “Our Commonwealth is forever grateful for the sacrifice of Tech. Sgt. Pruitt. Beth and I are praying for her family and loved ones.”
Two Kentucky lawmakers representing Pruitt’s hometown of Bardstown in the General Assembly issued a joint statement praising her courage and commitment.
“At just 34 years old, Ashley demonstrated the courage, dedication and sense of duty that define the men and women of America’s armed forces. She answered the call to serve and represented Kentucky with honor,” said Rep. Candy Massaroni, R-Bardstown, and Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon.
“The sacrifice made by Ashley and her fellow servicemembers is a powerful reminder that the freedoms we enjoy at home are safeguarded by brave Americans willing to place themselves in harm’s way. Her service reflects a deep commitment to something greater than herself. … The people of Bardstown, Nelson County and Kentucky are blessed to call her one of our own. Our hearts go out to her family and friends as we celebrate a life that was dedicated to serving our nation.”
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The Kentucky Lantern is an independent, nonpartisan, free news service based in Frankfort.
