JOINT STATEMENT RELEASE SEN. JIMMY HIGDON AND REP. CANDY MASSARONI ON THE DEATH OF TECH. SGT. ASHLEY B. PRUITT

JOINT STATEMENT RELEASE

SEN. JIMMY HIGDON AND REP. CANDY MASSARONI ON THE DEATH OF TECH. SGT. ASHLEY B. PRUITT

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (March 15, 2026) — The following is a statement from Rep. Candy Massaroni and Sen. Jimmy Higdon regarding the death of U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown in Nelson County.

“We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, a proud Kentuckian from Bardstown, who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country overseas.

“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. She answered the call to serve and represented Kentucky with honor.

“The sacrifice made by Ashley and her fellow servicemembers is a powerful reminder that the freedoms we enjoy at home are safeguarded by brave Americans willing to place themselves in harm’s way. Her service reflects a deep commitment to something greater than herself.

“We express our heartfelt sympathy to Ashley's loved ones, friends and fellow Airmen, as well as the whole Bardstown community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tragic time.

“We join all of Kentucky and America in remembering Ashley’s bravery and love for our country. Our nation is forever indebted to her for her service and sacrifice.

“The people of Bardstown, Nelson County and Kentucky are blessed to call her one of our own. Our hearts go out to her family and friends as we celebrate a life that was dedicated to serving our nation.”

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Background

According to the U.S. Air Force and multiple media reports, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky, was among six American airmen killed March 12, 2026, when a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a mission supporting U.S. military operations in the region. Pruitt was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and had served in the Air Force since 2017.

According to reporting on the incident, the aircraft was supporting Operation Epic Fury at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by U.S. military officials.