CEDAR CITY, Utah — One of the soldiers who was killed in Jordan on Friday was an alumnus of Southern Utah University and a current graduate student.
1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales were killed in an attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
Feehan, 25, was from Hawaii and was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
SUU announced on Monday that Feehan was a graduate of the university and was a current student in their MBA program.
"Our hearts are with his family, fellow service members, classmates, and all who knew and loved Tyler as we mourn this profound loss together. We are grateful for his service; his sacrifice will forever be remembered by the Thunderbird community," the announcement read. "His degree will be awarded posthumously in recognition of his academic achievement."
The university said Feehan became an air defense artillery officer in the U.S. Army through the SUU ROTC program in 2024. While attending, he also served in the Utah Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion and 222nd Field Artillery in Cedar City.
At Fort Bragg, he was in the 2nd Battalion of the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and 32nd Army Air Missile Defense Command.
Military officials said Feehan will now receive the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and he will be posthumously promoted to captain. He had previously received the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.
SUU said Feehan will be recognized at Thursday's Pioneer Legacy Celebration. Then next week, a yellow ribbon will be put up at the Carter Carillon, and The Army Song will be played every hour on the hour. The school says it will announce other opportunities to honor Feehan in the coming weeks.
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Resources from SUU:
SUU offers free counseling and support services to help students and employees navigate grief and emotional challenges. Students can connect with SUU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) by calling 435-865-8621, or through 24/7 support on TimelyCare. Employees also have access to free counseling through SUU’s Employee Mental Health Resources and TimelyCare.
