SUU grad student identified as American soldier killed in Jordan

CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah University officials confirmed Monday that one of the American soldiers killed in an Iranian attack on an air base in Jordan over the weekend was a graduate and current grad student at the school. 

1st Lt. Tyler Feehan, of Hawaii, was killed, along with Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, of Texas in the weekend attack. The deaths were the first to involve American service members in the war with Iran since the very early days of hostilities. Military officials said a third service member was missing, and that the Army was examining unidentified remains.

In a letter to SUU students, faculty and staff, President Mindy Benson said Feehan was only weeks away from earning his MBA after completing the Army ROTC program at SUU in 2024. He will receive his degree posthumously. 

In a statement, the Defense Department said Feehan would be posthumously promoted to captain and awarded multiple honors: the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Badge. 

Army officials said Feehan was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina at the time of his death. But Benson noted he had also served with the Utah Army National Guard as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery while in school. 

“Our hearts are with his family, fellow service members, classmates, and all who knew and loved Tyler as we mourn this profound loss together,” Benson wrote. “We are grateful for his service; his sacrifice will forever be remembered by the Thunderbird community.” 

Benson said SUU planned to honor Feehan further in the near future, including a recognition at the school’s Pioneer Legacy Celebration later this week. 

SUU will provide counseling and support to anyone who needs help through their grief. 

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