6 U.S. Service Members Die in Iraq Plane Crash

0:00Here's more Durham news from March 14th. Six U.S. service members died, Thursday, when their KC-135 straddle tanker crashed in Western Iraq. The refueling plane was flying in friendly airspace on a combat-support mission, an incident with another aircraft brought it down, but that second plane landed safely. The victims included three airmen from Ohio's 121st Air Refueling Wing based in Columbus. One was Alex Cleaner, a pilot from Alabama who got promoted to major just in January. He had deployed less than a week earlier. Family shared details over the weekend as the Pentagon held off on official names. Cleaner was a new dad to twin seven-month-olds and a two-year-old son. His brother-in-law called him a devoted family man and helpful friend, ISGC, SSDC. Tyler Simmons from Ohio lit up rooms with his smile. His parents said while planning his funeral, the Ohio Guard unit posted their grief online, praising the airman's service and lasting impact.

1:01Cleaner's relatives started a fundraiser to help his family. US Central Command says no hostile or friendly fire was involved. Investigators are still working the case. These tankers have refueled missions for more than 60 years and remain vital to long-range flights. DNA is brought to you by our sponsor. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.