A US Coast Guard (USCG) rescue swimmer, identified as Tyler Jaggers, has died after suffering critical injuries during a high-risk medical evacuation mission off the coast of Washington state, according to the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter Association.
USCG Rescue Swimmers said on Instagram, “While conducting a helicopter medical evacuation offshore of Washington state, Tyler was seriously injured while being deployed to a large vessel.”
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Who was Tyler Jaggers?
Tyler Jaggers is a rescue swimmer and a second-class aviation survival technician. Jaggers was severely injured while responding to a distress call involving a cargo ship crew member who had reportedly suffered a stroke at sea.
The incident occurred during a medical evacuation roughly 140 miles off the coast near Cape Flattery, where Coast Guard crews were deployed to assist the ship and transfer the ill crew member to safety.
According to the Astorian, he was sent to Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where he was on life support after being injured on 27 February.
{{/usCountry}}According to the Astorian, he was sent to Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where he was on life support after being injured on 27 February.
{{/usCountry}}According to a US spokesperson, Jaggers' parents were permitted to accompany him when he was admitted to the hospital in Canada. The Coast Guard is transporting him and his family back to the United States.
The USCG said in a post, “To the Jaggers family, you do not walk this road alone. The entire Rescue Swimmer Brotherhood stands with you.”
The Astorian reported that Jaggers' family was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross during a ceremony honoring Jaggers. Presenter Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard, said, “[Jaggers] demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of extreme danger.”
The Coast Guard is investigating the incident but hasn't disclosed any additional information.
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Tributes pour in from Coast Guards and fiancée
The Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Association said in a social media post, “Tyler is our Brother. He answered a calling that few possess the courage, the strength, or the heart to pursue.”
The further wrote, “As a United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Tyler has dedicated his life to the service of others, training relentlessly, deploying fearlessly, and living the sacred oath of our community: So Others May Live.”
J. Butch Flythe, USCG Rescue Swimmer No. 5 Jaggers' colleague, said, “Tyler was the best of us. 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.”
Jaggers' close friends said that Jaggers was about to pop the question to his girlfriend, Collin Rugg reported on X.
Jaggers' family performed the proposal on his behalf in front of the people who care about him the most. His fiancée said, “His dad placed the ring on my hand at his bedside.”