(LEX 18) — A Bardstown airman is among six U.S. Air Force airmen killed in a military aircraft crash in western Iraq, the Department of War announced.
The DOW reported that 34-year-old Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown, died March 12 when a KC-135 crashed in western Iraq. Pruitt was reportedly assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.
The DOW listed the five other airmen who also died in the crash:
- 33-year-old Maj. John A. Klinner of Auburn, Alabama;
- 31-year-old Capt. Ariana G. Savino of Covington, Washington;
- 38-yea Capt. Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana;
- 30-year-old Capt. Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio; and
- 28-year-old Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio.
All six airmen were supporting Operation Epic Fury at the time of the crash. The incident is under investigation.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear released a statement following the news of Tech Sgt. Pruitt's death:
In addition, Congressman Andy Barr stated the following on Facebook:
"Praying for the family and friends of TSgt. Ashley Pruitt of Bardstown. God bless her memory and her ultimate sacrifice in Operation Epic Freedom to rid the world of the largest state sponsor of terror. Her legacy will never be forgotten."
Finally, from Pruitt's own district of Kentucky, Rep. Candy Massaroni and Sen. Jimmy Hidgon provided a statement regarding her death on the Kentucky Senate Republican's Facebook page:
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, a proud Kentuckian from Bardstown, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country overseas.
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.
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.
We express our heartfelt sympathy to Ashley's loved ones, friends and fellow Airmen, as well as the whole Bardstown community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time.
We join all of Kentucky and America in remembering Ashley’s bravery and love for our country. Our nation is forever indebted to her for her service and sacrifice.
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.”
A GoFundMe has been organized on behalf of Pruitt. The fundraiser aims to support Pruitt's loving husband, daughter, and stepson throughout this difficult time. As of 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the GoFundMe has already raised $55,000 of its $90,000 goal.
"Any support, whether through donating or sharing, means so much to the family she loved with her whole heart," the GoFundMe states.
Visit the GoFundMe at this link: Support for Ashley Pruitt's Family
