Staff Report
WASHINGTON D.C. — An Indiana man was among those killed in a military plane crash in Iraq on Thursday.
The Pentagon announced Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, Mooresville, was one of six U.S. Airmen killed in a KC-135 plane crash in Iraq on March 12, the Pentagon announced.
Others who died in the crash were:
- Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Alabama
- Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Ohio
- Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky
- Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Ohio
- Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Washington
Koval was a KC-135R Instructor Pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron stationed at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio.
He was responsible for training pilots in worldwide air refueling, aeromedical, cargo, and passenger operations while executing the Air Force’s primary mission of global reach in support of Air Mobility Command, according to information provided by the Ohio National Guard.
His wife released the following statement from the family:
“Our world was shattered two days ago. There is nothing that can prepare you to receive news that you’ve lost the love of your life. Our family will never be the same. As we figure out how to pick up the pieces and move forward, we are deeply grateful for the love and support we have received. That support, and the help of our Heavenly Father, will hold us together in these fragile moments as we face a reality without him.
Seth was a man whose life I could never confine to a single statement and whose loss will echo in my heart forever. Seth was exceptional in everything he did. He was truly the most amazing husband, father, son, brother, friend, and Airman. He loved what he did, and he was proud to put his uniform on and serve others. He grew up dreaming about becoming a pilot and to stand beside him as he made his dreams come true was an honor.
My husband was many things – loving, generous, kind-hearted, smart, devoted, a fixer of all things, a real outdoorsman, and selfless. The most important thing about my husband was that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. He always put others before himself – until the very end. I will see him in the smile of our son and carry him with me in every moment. I have overwhelming hope and peace because he is with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Please help us honor Seth by respecting our wishes for privacy during this devastating time.”
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued the following statement late Saturday night:
“We will never forget your sacrifice. Thoughts and prayers to his wife, young son, and entire family as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” Rokita wrote in a post on X.
