JACKSON, Wyo. — At least 13 U.S service members were killed yesterday, Aug. 26 at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Among them, was former Jackson Hole High School student Rylee McCollum.
McCollum was a former student of Jackson Hole High School and graduated of Summit Innovations School in 2019.
A suicide bomb attack at the airport’s Abbey Gate was followed by an assault by gunmen, officials said. Another bomb attack took place nearby, at a hotel outside the airport, officials said. Eighteen U.S. service members were injured, the Pentagon said. According to NPR, at least 169 Afghans died in the attack, with a final count expected to take more time.
Governor Mark Gordon has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags to remain at half-staff through Monday, August 30 in honor and memory of McCollum. Flags are currently at half-staff to honor all U.S. service members and other victims of the attacks and should remain at half-staff until sunset on August 30.
“I’m devastated to learn Wyoming lost one of our own in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of U.S. Marine Rylee McCollum of Bondurant. Jennie and I, along with all of Wyoming and the entire nation, thank Rylee for his service,” Gordon said.
“Saying that I am grateful for Rylee’s service to our country does not begin to encapsulate the grief and sadness I feel today as a mother and as an American. My heart and prayers are with Rylee’s family, friends, and the entire Jackson community,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said in a statement.
“We will find many ways to honor Rylee for this ultimate and untimely sacrifice in the coming months and years – but for now, my arms are wrapped around Rylee’s loved ones from afar and I pray they find some comfort,” Balow said.
Thursday was the deadliest day for the U.S military in Afghanistan since 2011. The White House expects more attacks, with the Aug. 31 deadline for complete military withdrawal quickly approaching.
ISIS-K, or Islamic State Khorasan, has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s attack.
McCollum is expecting a child with his wife, due in September.
