ACG Rescue Swimmer Tyler Jaggers Passes Away on Thursday
Tyler Jaggers, an Aviation Survival Technician Second Class and dedicated rescue swimmer, tragically passed away on March 5, 2026. Jaggers was a member of the Coast Guard Air Station Astoria in Oregon. His death resulted from injuries sustained during a medical evacuation operation on February 27, 2026.
Details of the Incident
On February 27, Jaggers responded to a medical emergency involving a stroke victim off the coast of Washington, near the Canadian border. During this operation, he encountered a severe accident approximately 120 nautical miles west of Cape Flattery, Washington. Following the incident, he was transported to Victoria General Hospital in British Columbia and later moved to Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington.
Award and Recognition
In recognition of his heroic actions, Tyler Jaggers was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the nation’s highest honors for valor in aerial operations. The award was presented by Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, in a ceremony attended by Jaggers’ family.
- Rank: Aviation Survival Technician Second Class
- Rescue Swimmer Number: 1087
- Service Branch: United States Coast Guard
- Current Active Rescue Swimmers: 387
- Lifetime Gold Fins Recipients: 1,105
Community Response
The loss of Tyler Jaggers has resonated deeply within the search and rescue community. J. Butch Flythe, a fellow rescue swimmer, emphasized Jaggers’ commitment and dedication, stating, “He earned his Gold Fins the way every rescue swimmer does, by refusing to quit.”
Rick McElrath, president of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association (CGHRSA), noted the profound impact of Jaggers’ service: “Tyler lived our creed every day: So Others May Live.” This ethos reflects the unwavering dedication of the rescue swimmers who operate in the face of danger.
Support for the Jaggers Family
The CGHRSA is actively coordinating support for Tyler Jaggers’ family and his fellow crew members. Contributions can be made through a dedicated donation page. Overwhelming support has poured in from fellow Coast Guard personnel and the community, who have shared messages of condolence and respect across social media.
In honor of Tyler Jaggers, the Columbia River Maritime Museum has expressed its heartfelt condolences to his family and the Coast Guard Air Station Astoria crew. Recognizing the inherent risks that rescue missions involve, the museum acknowledged Jaggers’ courage and commitment to saving lives.
As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated hero, they remember Tyler Jaggers not just for his service but for embodying the spirit of the Coast Guard motto: “So Others May Live.”
