The United States Department of War identified all six individuals who were killed in the crash on Saturday night. Captain Seth R. Koval, a 38-year-old from Mooresville, was one of the service members the DoW identified.

In a post on Facebook, Koval’s wife provided a statement and the following photos of her husband:

Photo of fallen Indiana military service member Seth Koval courtesy of his family.
Photo of fallen Indiana military service member Seth Koval courtesy of his family.

The full statement from Koval’s wife, Heather, is available at the bottom of this story.

According to a bio provided by the Ohio Air National Guard, Koval was an instructor pilot for the 116th Air Refueling Squadron. He trained pilots in air refueling, aeromedical, cargo and passenger operations.

Koval enlisted in the Air Force in 2006 as a machinist with the Indiana National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing.

In 2011, Koval graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in aviation operations. He transferred out of Indiana to the Ohio Air National Guard in 2017. The Ohio Adjutant General’s Department reported that Koval most recently lived in Stoutsville, Ohio, which is located southeast of Columbus.

Koval was selected for a commission in 2018 with the 121st Air Refueling Wing in Columbus. He completed pilot training in January 2020 and finished instructor pilot upgrade in 2024.

Koval had been deployed to serve the U.S. Air Force on four occasions prior to his death. He was deployed in 2014, 2020, 2022 and 2023. His assignments sent to him to Europe, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command.

His work supported Operations Enduring Freedom, Spartan Shield and Epic Fury. Over his 19-year military career, Koval flew 443 combat hours and 2,076 total hours.

Koval received the following awards and honors during his career:

Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal

He also the earned the following promotions:

Second Lieutenant, Nov. 9, 2018
First Lieutenant, Nov. 9, 2020
Captain, Nov. 9, 2022

Today we mourn the loss of three remarkable Airmen whose service and commitment
embodied the very best of our Ohio National Guard. Their impact on their teammates and our mission will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and fellow service members, and our entire Guard family stands with them as we grieve together during this difficult time.

Major General Matthew S. Woodruff, Ohio Adjutant General

Per the DoW, the following members of the U.S. Air Force were killed in the crash in addition to Koval:

Major John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama
Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington
Tech. Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, or Bardstown, Kentucky
Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio
Tech. Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio

Koval, Angst and Simmons were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio, before they died. Klinner, Savino and Pruitt were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

A report from The Associated Press indicates the crash involved a KC-135 refueling aircraft staffed by the six decedents. The aircraft crashed while supporting U.S. military operations in Iran.

U.S. Central Command has indicated that the crash was the result of an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace.” Per the AP, the other plane involved in the incident landed safely.

The DoW reported that its investigation of the crash is still ongoing.

Koval’s bio indicated that he had worked with the KC-135R before the crash. From October 2022 to September 2024, he was a KC-135R aircraft commander. Beginning in October 2024, Koval served as a KC-135R instructor pilot.

The AP has reported that at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed in the military conflict in Iran thus far. More than 140 service members have been injured.

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.

Statement released by Seth Koval’s wife, Heather, on Facebook

Numerous Indiana leaders have taken to social media to offer up their condolences for the Koval family, including Governor Mike Braun and Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith. Their statements can be found below: