Rep. Joyce Beatty, U.S. Congresswoman representing Ohio’s 3rd district, posted a series of statements on social media addressing the deaths of six U.S. Air Force servicemembers in a refueling aircraft crash and commenting on a recent federal court ruling involving her participation in a Kennedy Center board meeting.
On March 14, 2026, Beatty expressed condolences regarding the loss of servicemembers: “I am heartbroken to hear that U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, stationed out of Columbus, was one of the six servicemembers killed in a refueling aircraft crash. My heart is with Tyler’s family and the families of the other five servicemembers who were killed, including”.
The following day, she reiterated her sympathies: “My heart, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the families of the six Air Force members who were killed in the recent refueling crash: Maj. John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, as well as the three service members stationed in Ohio —”.
In addition to her remarks on the crash, Beatty commented on legal developments affecting her role at the Kennedy Center: “Statement regarding today’s federal court ruling ordering the Trump administration to allow my participation in Monday’s Kennedy Center board meeting and provide access to materials related to the Kennedy Center demolition.”
Joyce Beatty has served as a member of Congress for Ohio’s 3rd District since 2013 after succeeding Mike Turner and previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1999 to 2008. Born in Dayton in 1950 and currently residing in Columbus, Beatty graduated from Central State University with a BA in 1972.
