Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Dies After Washington Evacuation Mission, Honored with Distinguished Flying Cross & Hospital Proposal
SEATTLE — A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, died , after sustaining injuries during a medical evacuation mission off the coast of Washington state. The tragedy unfolded during a Feb. 27 operation to transport a stroke victim from a commercial vessel located 120 nautical miles (222 kilometers) offshore.
The circumstances surrounding Jaggers’ injuries are currently under investigation, but Rick McElrath, board president and founder of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association, revealed that Jaggers fell while being lowered to the deck of the vessel from a helicopter. He was initially treated in Victoria, British Columbia, before being transferred to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, south of Seattle, where he remained on life support until his passing on evening.
What sets this story apart is the outpouring of love and recognition Jaggers received in his final hours. Before his death, he was meritoriously advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class, a testament to his “relentless drive in qualifications, the mentorship he consistently provided to swimmer candidates, and his exceptional performance across operational missions,” according to Coast Guard officials. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the nation’s highest military awards for heroism during flight, in a ceremony attended by his family and fellow crew members.
But the most poignant moments came from a deeply personal place. While at his hospital bedside, Jaggers’ family facilitated a hospital-room wedding proposal, with his partner, Cassandra Weaver, accepting. Weaver shared the story on social media, detailing how Jaggers had confided in friends about his plans to propose and how his family ensured his wishes were fulfilled even as he fought for his life.
“What I didn’t realize was that he had recently told some of his closest buddies that he was getting ready to propose,” Weaver wrote in her post. “So yesterday, surrounded by the people who love him most, his family carried out the proposal on Tyler’s behalf.” She included photos of her hand with the engagement ring, alongside images of her holding Jaggers’ hand and touching his Coast Guard uniform. “I always told him I didn’t care if he proposed with a Ring Pop,” she wrote. “I said yes.”
Admiral Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard, released a statement praising Jaggers’ “extraordinary heroism in the face of danger, upholding the highest standards of courage and excellence for Coast Guard operations.” He added, “We honor his selfless actions and unwavering devotion to our highest calling: to save others.”
Jaggers, who joined the Coast Guard in and was stationed in Astoria, Oregon, since , had previously been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security for superior performance as a crew member aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Legare during operations in the Caribbean. His dedication to service was evident throughout his career.
The Coast Guard is continuing its investigation into the circumstances that led to Jaggers’ injuries. The Canadian Coast Guard ultimately completed the evacuation of the stroke victim, according to McElrath.
The loss of Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers is a stark reminder of the risks faced by Coast Guard rescue swimmers, who routinely put their lives on the line to save others. The combination of professional recognition, a heartfelt proposal, and the grief of a community underscores the profound impact Jaggers had, both as a dedicated service member and as a beloved partner. His story is a testament to courage, selflessness, and the enduring power of love in the face of tragedy.