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.
"We are heartbroken at this devastating loss of Tyler. He was a big part of our campus," SUU President Mindy Benson said Tuesday in an interview with FOX 13 News. "He was very involved and highly engaged in our ROTC as a cadet. He was an incredible and inspiring leader who brought light and life to everything that happened on campus with the cadets. He has been a very successful part of our campus and now part of the military service and part of our nation and now will be immortalized as part of our history of the nation."
WATCH: President Benson speaks on Lt. Feehan's legacy at SUU
He earned a master's degree in interdisciplinary science in 2025, then pursued a second master's in business administration. Benson said Feehan will be awarded his MBA degree posthumously, as he was just weeks away from completing it. One of his family members will accept it on his behalf at next year's commencement ceremony.
"We're very grateful for Tyler and his service and his sacrifice," Benson continued. "SUU is a strong pillar of support for our military heroes... We've long been a supporter and had the ROTC program here on our campus, and we'll continue to support military families."
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.
"Our hearts are with his family, fellow service members, classmates, and all who knew and loved Tyler as we mourn this profound loss together," Monday's announcement read. "We are grateful for his service; his sacrifice will forever be remembered by the Thunderbird community."
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.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox shared his condolences through a social media post.
"Tyler answered the call to serve both our state and our nation with courage and honor, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten," the governor wrote.
SUU said Feehan will be recognized at Thursday's Pioneer Legacy Celebration. A yellow ribbon has also been put up at the Carter Carillon bell tower, and The Army Song is being played every day at noon. 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.
