Wilmington native Curtis Angst, a captain in the Ohio Air National Guard, has been identified among the dead in a military plane crash that occurred over Iraq on Thursday.Angst, 30, was a 2014 graduate of Wilmington High School, where he later went on to enlist in the Ohio Air National Guard, according to a statement put out by the school district on Sunday morning.The district says that Angst’s mother, Lisa Angst, is an employee of the school district.On Sunday afternoon, Angst’s family released a public statement, calling the Ohio airman a devoted pilot who loved “flying and serving alongside the men and women he cared so deeply about.””Curtis lived a life defined by service, generosity, and a genuine love for people,” the statement continued. “He was dedicated to serving his country. He deeply valued the people he had the privilege to serve alongside.”The statement went on to say that Angst leaves behind a wife, Mary, as well as numerous other family members and friends. “His constant smile and instantly recognizable laugh made people feel welcome, valued, and part of something bigger,” the family’s statement read.Angst was killed during a refueling mission along with two other members of the Ohio Air National Guard. They were 38-year-old Capt. Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana, and 28-year-old Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio.The crash also included three other members of the Air Force’s 6th Air Refueling Wing, one of which — 34-year-old Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt — was a Kentucky native.Details surrounding the crash involving the six continue to remain unclear, however, with the Pentagon saying that the crash remains under investigation.U.S. Central Command has previously said that the crash was not caused by either hostile or friendly fire, but did not elaborate further. Two planes were also reportedly involved during the incident, although only one of the two crashed.On Saturday, Ohio Gov. DeWine ordered that flags be lowered at half-staff across the state in their honor.The casualties bring the U.S. death toll to 13 as part of Operation Epic Fury, which is now stretching into its third week.The full statement from the Angst family can be read below.”Captain Curtis J. Angst was among those who tragically lost their lives in the recent aircraft accident over Western Iraq, while serving as a KC-135 pilot in support of Epic Fury. He was doing what he loved most—flying and serving alongside the men and women he cared so deeply about.””Curtis lived a life defined by service, generosity, and a genuine love for people. He was dedicated to serving his country. He deeply valued the people he had the privilege to serve alongside.””Those who knew Curtis remember his steady kindness and the joy he carried with him everywhere he went. He was always ready to help someone else before himself. His constant smile and instantly recognizable laugh made people feel welcome, valued, and part of something bigger.””He was deeply devoted to his wife, Mary, his family, and his friends. Beyond his commitment to his country, Curtis had a profound passion for traveling, exploring the outdoors, and music.””Our hearts are with the family and friends of his fellow crew, and we share in their sorrow.””During this tremendous loss, we continue to ask that the public and the media respect the families’ time to grieve.”
Wilmington native Curtis Angst, a captain in the Ohio Air National Guard, has been identified among the dead in a military plane crash that occurred over Iraq on Thursday.
Angst, 30, was a 2014 graduate of Wilmington City Schools, where he later went on to enlist in the Ohio Air National Guard, according to a statement put out by the school district on Sunday morning.
Ohio Air National Guard
Wilmington native Curtis Angst, 30, a captain of the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing
The district says that Angst’s mother, Lisa Angst, is an employee of the school district.
On Sunday afternoon, Angst’s family released a public statement, calling the Ohio airman a devoted pilot who loved “flying and serving alongside the men and women he cared so deeply about.”
“Curtis lived a life defined by service, generosity, and a genuine love for people,” the statement continued. “He was dedicated to serving his country. He deeply valued the people he had the privilege to serve alongside.”
The statement went on to say that Angst leaves behind a wife, Mary, as well as numerous other family members and friends. “His constant smile and instantly recognizable laugh made people feel welcome, valued, and part of something bigger,” the family’s statement read.
Angst was killed during a refueling mission along with two other members of the Ohio Air National Guard. They were 38-year-old Capt. Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana, and 28-year-old Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio.
The crash also included three other members of the Air Force’s 6th Air Refueling Wing, one of which — 34-year-old Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt — was a Kentucky native.
Details surrounding the crash involving the six continue to remain unclear, however, with the Pentagon saying that the crash remains under investigation.
U.S. Central Command has previously said that the crash was not caused by either hostile or friendly fire, but did not elaborate further. Two planes were also reportedly involved during the incident, although only one of the two crashed.
On Saturday, Ohio Gov. DeWine ordered that flags be lowered at half-staff across the state in their honor.
The casualties bring the U.S. death toll to 13 as part of Operation Epic Fury, which is now stretching into its third week.
The full statement from the Angst family can be read below.
“Captain Curtis J. Angst was among those who tragically lost their lives in the recent aircraft accident over Western Iraq, while serving as a KC-135 pilot in support of Epic Fury. He was doing what he loved most—flying and serving alongside the men and women he cared so deeply about.”
“Curtis lived a life defined by service, generosity, and a genuine love for people. He was dedicated to serving his country. He deeply valued the people he had the privilege to serve alongside.”
“Those who knew Curtis remember his steady kindness and the joy he carried with him everywhere he went. He was always ready to help someone else before himself. His constant smile and instantly recognizable laugh made people feel welcome, valued, and part of something bigger.”
“He was deeply devoted to his wife, Mary, his family, and his friends. Beyond his commitment to his country, Curtis had a profound passion for traveling, exploring the outdoors, and music.”
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of his fellow crew, and we share in their sorrow.”
“During this tremendous loss, we continue to ask that the public and the media respect the families’ time to grieve.”