A tragic situation.

The Air Force crew member killed in Iraq has been identified as Major Alex Klinner.

Klinner, who hailed from Alabama, was one of six who perished when a refueling military aircraft crashed in the Middle Eastern State this week.

The airman studied mechanical engineering at Auburn and graduated with a degree.

He was a father of three.

“Auburn University mourns the loss of alumnus Major John “Alex” Klinner, who was among six Air Force crew members killed when a U.S. military KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq,” the school said in a Facebook post. “Major Klinner was a 2016 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in mechanical engineering.”

“On March 12, our world shattered. Alex and his crew were on the plane that crashed in Iraq. I’m devastated to lose the best person I know, the person that made everything more fun, my best friend,” his wife, Libby, wrote in an Instagram post.

Alex Klinner’s Sister-In-Law

Klinner’s sister-in-law, Sarah Rose Harill, has also set up a Gofundme page to help support Libby and their three children

“Alex was more than a serviceman,” it reads in part. “He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the kind of person who would quietly step in to help anyone who needed it. He embodied what it means to be a servant leader. His loss has left an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.”

“If you feel led to give, please know that any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference for Libby and her children,” she added. “If you are unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping this family in your prayers is deeply appreciated.”

Our hearts go out to Klinner’s family and loved ones.