Tyler Jaggers, ACG rescue swimmer, died Thursday
Published 9:09 am Friday, March 6, 2026
The Distinguished Flying Cross awarded for heroism
According to the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Association, Astoria Coast Guard crew member Tyler Jaggers died Thursday. Jaggers, a rescue swimmer and aviation survival technician, second class, had responded Friday, Feb. 27 to a medical evacuation request for a stroke victim off the coast of Washington near the Canadian border when “a tragic accident” occurred. Jaggers was transported to Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and later to Joint Base Lewis McCord in Washington according to Krystal Wolfe, a Coast Guard media relations official.
The official statement from the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Association:
The Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association announced today the passing of Aviation Survival Technician Second Class Tyler Jaggers, Rescue Swimmer No. 1087, who was stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Oregon. Jaggers crossed the bar on March 5, 2026, after sustaining injuries during a med evac response Feb. 27 approximately 120 nautical miles west of Cape Flattery, Washington. For his extraordinary heroism during the rescue, Jaggers was meritoriously advanced to AST2 and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of our Nation’s highest awards for heroism in aerial flight.
Jaggers was one of 387 active AST Rescue Swimmers currently serving on active duty in the United States Coast Guard. Since the program’s inception, only 1,105 individuals past and present have earned the right to wear the Gold Fins. The AST rating is one of the most selective in the U.S. Armed Forces, with an attrition rate among the highest of any military training program in the country.
The Distinguished Flying Cross was presented by Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Phillip N. Waldron in a ceremony with Jaggers’ family. Admiral Lunday said Jaggers “demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of extreme danger” and “represents the very best of our Service and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community.”
“Tyler was the best of us,” said J. Butch Flythe, USCG Rescue Swimmer No. 5, vice president of the CGHRSA. “He earned his Gold Fins the way every rescue swimmer does, by refusing to quit. He answered every call without hesitation and served with a selflessness that defines this community. Our commitment now is to his family, his crew and the entire AST community. We will carry his name forward.”
“The loss of Tyler Jaggers is felt across the entire search and rescue community,” said Rick McElrath, USCG Rescue Swimmer No. 17, president of the CGHRSA. “Tyler lived our creed every day: So Others May Live. That was not a motto to him. It was how he served and how he lived. The CGHRSA stands with the Jaggers family, the aircrew and every member of Air Station Astoria. We are here today, and we will be here in the months and years ahead. This Brotherhood does not leave anyone behind.”
The CGHRSA is coordinating support for the Jaggers family, the flight crew and the broader Air Station Astoria community. Those wishing to contribute can donate directly at bit.ly/CGHRSADonations.
An outpouring of support from fellow Coast Guard members has flooded social media. Thousands of Coasties, friends and family members have sent heartfelt messages and prayers.
From The Columbia River Maritime Museum: The Columbia River Maritime Museum team expresses its sorrow and deepest condolences to the family, shipmates, and loved ones of Aviation Survival Technician (rescue swimmer) 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, and the crew of Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.
Tyler has passed from injuries sustained during an attempted medical evacuation of a stroke victim by helicopter from a cargo ship over 125 miles off Cape Flattery, WA on February 27, 2026.
We are so accustomed to reading accounts of successful, challenging rescues from hazardous environments, at sea and on land, by Coast Guard helicopter crews, as well from mountainous seas by motor lifeboat crews, day and night, fair weather and foul, that we may forget that each of these missions entails a high level of risk to the crews who unhesitatingly undertake them.
AST2 Jaggers, like his fellow Coasties, embraced the challenge, and the risk, in order to save lives.
The Coast Guard is woven into the fabric of our region’s maritime culture and heritage. We are grateful beyond measure for the dedication, courage, skill and devotion to duty of the men and women who choose to serve, “So Others May Live.”
While we rest easy, these members of our community are on watch, around the clock. They have our undying gratitude and respect.
Rest in Peace, Tyler Jaggers.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
