First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, a Southern Utah University student who was weeks away from completing his Master of Business Administration, was killed July 18 during an enemy attack in Jordan, the U.S. Army announced. Feehan's death occurred while he was supporting U.S. military operations in the region, according to the Department of the Army.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The 25-year-old Feehan, a resident of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He suffered injuries during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base on July 17, 2026, and died the following day, the Army reported.
Southern Utah University President Mindy Benson announced the loss of the student, noting that Feehan was a graduate and a current student in the university's MBA program. The university confirmed that Feehan's MBA degree will be awarded posthumously.
Dignified Transfer at Dover
On July 22, 2026, national leaders gathered at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to participate in a dignified transfer to honor Feehan and three other soldiers killed in the U.S. Central Command region. The ceremony was attended by President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Also in attendance at the transfer were Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other dignitaries. The Army noted that the deaths of the service members are related to Iranian aggression. The dignified transfer process involves a military carry team transferring the fallen from an aircraft to an awaiting vehicle for transport to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.
Military Honors and Tributes
In recognition of his service and sacrifice, the military announced that Feehan will be promoted to the rank of captain. He will also be awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Action Badge.
Senator John Curtis, a former member of the Utah National Guard, issued a statement regarding the loss. Curtis noted that Feehan, who was also a Southern Utah University student, leaves behind a legacy that will be felt throughout Utah and the nation. Curtis and his wife expressed their prayers for Feehan's loved ones, fellow soldiers, and those mourning the loss.
Other Regional Casualties
The death of Feehan was part of a series of fatalities in the U.S. Central Command region. According to the Army, three other soldiers were killed during recent incidents.
Army Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was killed during the July 17 attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. She was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, stationed in Ansbach, Germany.
Army Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York, was also believed to have been killed during the July 17 attack at the same base. Rampersad was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, also in Ansbach, Germany.
A fourth soldier, Army Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was killed July 19 during a controlled detonation of a downed one-way unmanned aerial system at Erbil Air Base in Iraq. Swinton was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bragg.
Ongoing Investigation
The U.S. Army stated that all recent incidents involving the deaths of these service members are currently under investigation. The agency continues to monitor operations in the region following the attacks in Jordan and Iraq.
