Courtney TannerA Southern Utah University graduate student serving in the U.S. Army — and weeks away from getting his master’s degree — was one of two soldiers killed in action Saturday during an Iranian attack on American operations in Jordan.
First Lt. Tyler James Feehan was identified Monday in a news release from the Pentagon, as well as in a statement from SUU President Mindy Benson. He was 25 years old and worked in air defense artillery.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also responded, calling Feehan’s death heartbreaking.
“Tyler answered the call to serve both our state and our nation with courage and honor, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Cox said. “We’re praying for his family, his fellow soldiers and the entire Southern Utah University community as they mourn this tremendous loss.”
Feehan had previously graduated from SUU with a bachelor’s degree and was a current student in the master of business administration program there, the school said. He had recently been approved to graduate at the end of summer classes.
“His degree will be awarded posthumously in recognition of his academic achievement,” Benson said in her statement.
SUU also said it plans to honor Feehan across campus in coming weeks, beginning with a recognition during the Pioneer Legacy Celebration on Thursday. Next week, the Carter Carillon bell tower on campus will be also be adorned with a yellow ribbon and play out “The Army Song” at the top of every hour.
“We are grateful for his service,” Benson said. “His sacrifice will forever be remembered by the Thunderbird community.”
(Southern Utah University) First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, a graduate student at Southern Utah University, was killed in military action in Jordan on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This picture is from when he was sworn in at the ROTC.
Feehan completed SUU’s ROTC military training program in spring 2024. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, according to the Pentagon release.
The U.S. Army said in a statement that Feehan will be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Badge. He will also be promoted to the rank of captain.
“1st Lt. Feehan’s unwavering dedication to our mission, our values and the air defenders he led will leave an enduring legacy,” said Brig. Gen. John Dawber, 32nd AAMDC commanding general, in a statement.
Feehan first enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2019 as a combat engineer in his home state of Hawaii, according to the Army’s statement.
Feehan also served as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 222nd Field Artillery, Utah Army National Guard in Cedar City, Utah while he attended SUU, according to the school.
The Pentagon said Feehan was killed Saturday. A second soldier, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Texas, was killed Friday at the same air base in Jordan. A third service member was reported missing in the attacks, according to The New York Times.
Those are the most recent U.S. troop deaths from Iranian fire since the current war there started with U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader on Feb. 26. Attacks have increased over the last week when a cease-fire agreement between the U.S. and Iran collapsed.
