Flags lowered in honor of fallen Hawai‘i soldier killed in Iran war

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green has ordered the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag to be flown at half-staff, effective immediately, in honor of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan of ʻEwa Beach, who was killed in Jordan during an Iranian missile attack on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.

“First Lieutenant Feehan served our nation with courage and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Green said. “Jaime and I extend our deepest condolences to his ʻohana, friends and fellow service members. His death is a painful reminder of the human cost of war. Hawaiʻi mourns alongside them and will always remember his bravery and selfless service.”

Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas, was also killed in Jordan while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on July 18 — the first U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian fire since the opening days of the war.

Feehan was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Hawai‘i lawmakers issued statements expressing condolences to Feehan’s family.

“I join all of our Hawai’i in mourning the passing in Jordan of United States Army First Lieutenant Tyler Feehan of ‘Ewa Beach,” said Rep. Ed Case. “The loss of any of our service members is tragic, but of one of our own ‘ohana is especially deep. I extend my deepest sympathies to Lt Feehan’s family with our Hawai‘i’s lasting gratitude for his service to our country.”

Sen. Brian Schatz said, “We are heartbroken by the loss of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan…who gave his life while serving our country.”

“My thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” he added. “May his memory be a blessing.”

Sen. Mazie Hirono also joined people across Hawai‘i and throughout the nation in mourning the loss of Feehan.

“As we honor their service and sacrifice, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to bring an end to this war,” Hirono said.

Flags will remain at half-staff through sunset on Wednesday.