Trending Now - Coast Guardsman Tyler Jaggers Remembered After Fatal Rescue Mission

WHO:

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, U.S. Coast Guard aviation survival technician

Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard

Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

J. Butch Flythe, USCG Rescue Swimmer No. 5, vice president of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association (CGHRSA)

Rick McElrath, USCG Rescue Swimmer No. 17, president of the CGHRSA

Cassandra Weaver, Tyler Jaggers' fiancée

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.

Sen. Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook

WHAT:

Tyler Jaggers died on March 5, 2026, from injuries sustained during a medical evacuation mission on February 27, 2026.

He was critically injured while attempting to rescue a stroke victim from a commercial vessel approximately 120 nautical miles off Cape Flattery, Washington.

Jaggers was meritoriously advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism.

The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of his injuries.

A wedding proposal was carried out at his hospital bedside, where his family placed an engagement ring on Cassandra Weaver's hand.

WHERE:

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Oregon

Cape Flattery, Washington

Victoria General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, Washington

WHEN:

February 27, 2026: Date of the medical evacuation mission

March 5, 2026: Date of Tyler Jaggers' death

January 2022: Date Tyler Jaggers joined the Coast Guard

April 2024: Date he began serving at Air Station Astoria

WHY:

Jaggers was responding to a medical evacuation request for a stroke victim when he was injured.

HOW:

Jaggers was injured while being lowered from a helicopter during the rescue operation, according to Rick McElrath from the CGHRSA.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers of the U.S. Coast Guard tragically passed away on March 5, 2026, from injuries he sustained during a medical evacuation mission on February 27, when he was critically injured while attempting to rescue a stroke victim from a vessel off Cape Flattery, Washington. In recognition of his bravery, Jaggers was posthumously advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, while the Coast Guard is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his injuries. A poignant moment occurred at his hospital bedside, where his family placed an engagement ring on the hand of his fiancée, Cassandra Weaver, following a heartfelt wedding proposal.