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The United States Coast Guard has confirmed the passing of Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician based at the USCG Air Station in Astoria, Oregon. Jaggers tragically lost his life on Thursday, following a medical evacuation mission near Cape Flattery, Washington.
During the mission on February 27, Jaggers sustained serious injuries and was subsequently placed on life support, as reported by the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association (GCHRSA).
He succumbed to his injuries at Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Washington. He was surrounded by his parents, sister, fiancé, friends, and fellow Coast Guard members, according to statements made by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“We are grateful for his faithful service,” Secretary Noem expressed in a heartfelt social media post.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers passed away following a mission along the coast of Washington state. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
Prior to his death, Jaggers was meritoriously advanced to AST2 for his “relentless drive in qualifications, the mentorship he consistently provided to swimmer candidates, and his exceptional performance across operational missions,” according to officials.Â
He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross — one of the nation’s highest awards for heroism in aerial flight — by the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers leaves behind his parents, sister, fiancé, friends and Coast Guard teammates. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
“Through his selfless service and sacrifice, AST2 Jaggers exemplified the finest legacies of Coast Guard service, and the sacred oath of the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community: So Others May Live,’” officials wrote in the statement.
The GCHRSA said it is actively coordinating support for Jaggers’ family and the aircrew at Air Station Astoria.
Authorities provided limited details about the mission. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., said Coast Guard crews “never waver in rushing to the water to save lives and that’s what Tyler Jaggers was doing when he was injured.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, along with the entire United States Coast Guard and the team based in Astoria,” Gluesenkamp Perez wrote in a statement on X.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers poses for a photo with a group of Coast Guardsmen in this undated photo. (U.S. Coast Guard via X)
Additional details about the mission have not yet been released.
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