LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tributes are pouring in across Kentucky after an airman from Bardstown was among six U.S. service members killed in an aircraft crash in Iraq.
What You Need To Know
Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt of Bardstown was among six service members killed in a KC-135 aircraft crash in western Iraq on March 12
Pruitt served in the Air Force since 2017 and was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida
Gov. Andy Beshear, state lawmakers Jimmy Higdon and Candy Massaroni, and U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie offered condolences and praised Pruitt’s service
Pruitt is the second Kentuckian killed since the war began Feb. 28, following the death of Sgt. Benjamin Pennington
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, died March 12 when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq during a mission supporting U.S. military operations in the region.
Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Ky. was one of six airmen killed on March 12, 2026. The KC-135 they were riding in crashed in western Iraq. They were supporting Operation Epic Fury. (Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs)
Pruitt was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida and had served in the Air Force since 2017. The Military said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Flags have been flying at half-staff as Kentuckians took to social media to share memories, prayers and condolences with Pruitt’s family.
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said in a social media post that he was saddened to learn Pruitt was among the service members killed in the crash.
“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,” Beshear wrote.
State leaders representing Bardstown also offered their condolences.
In a joint statement, state Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, and state Rep. Candy Massaroni, D-Bardstown, said Pruitt’s service reflected courage and dedication.
“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,” the lawmakers said in part. “She answered the call to serve and represented Kentucky with honor. Her service reflects a deep commitment to something greater than herself.”
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, whose district includes Nelson County, also shared his condolences in a post on X.
“Our Commonwealth is forever grateful for the sacrifice of Tech. Sgt. Pruitt,” Guthrie wrote. “Beth and I are praying for her family and loved ones.”
Pruitt is the second Kentuckian killed since the war began Feb. 28. Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Hardin County died earlier this month after being injured in an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.