'His fiancee was waiting': Parents reveal fallen soldier's wedding plans after death in Jordan attack

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: The family of 1st Lt Tyler James Feehan has shared a heartbreaking tribute to the 25-year-old Army officer after he was killed while serving in Jordan, revealing that his fiancée had been waiting at home to marry him once he returned from deployment.

Feehan's remains were scheduled to return to the US during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday, as his loved ones reflected on the life and future he never got to live.

In an emotional statement, his parents, Stephen and Shari Feehan, remembered their son as an adventurer, mentor, and devoted leader whose greatest plans were still ahead of him.

Tyler Feehan's parents mourn son's unrealized future

Remembering their son, whom they affectionately called "Tivo," Stephen and Shari Feehan said his death left their family devastated.

"Our hearts are shattered. Tyler James Feehan, our son, our 'Tivo,' was taken from us far too soon, alongside other American heroes lost or wounded in this same tragic attack," they wrote.

They shared that Tyler's fiancée had been waiting for his return so they could finally begin their life together as husband and wife.

"Behind him, he leaves a family in mourning, his parents, his fiancee who was to become his wife upon his return from deployment, four sets of grandparents, and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored him."

His parents also revealed that law school was next on his list of goals, recalling how he often joked with the famous 'Legally Blonde' line, "What, like it's hard?"

Family remembers Tyler Feehan's inspiring legacy

Stephen and Shari Feehan said their son packed "more living than most people manage in a lifetime."

They remembered how he chased adventure, from reaching Everest Base Camp to walking the Camino de Santiago through France and into Spain.

As an Army officer, they said Tyler always put his soldiers first, mentoring them, sharing his love of finance, and encouraging education wherever he could. 

"He believed deeply in the power of military service, especially what it builds in a person: discipline, leadership, character," they wrote, adding, "Everyone who knew him loved him."

The grieving parents said they were heartbroken but proud of the man their son had become.

"Tyler, we are proud of you beyond words, devastated, yes, but prouder still. No parents could have asked for a better son, and carrying your legacy forward is now our purpose."

Tyler Feehan scholarship honors service and leadership

Determined to ensure Tyler's legacy lives on, the Feehan family announced plans to establish a scholarship for ROTC cadets at his alma mater.

According to a GoFundMe created by the family, the scholarship will be launched using Tyler's military death gratuity and will support deserving ROTC cadets each semester, with hopes of eventually expanding to other universities and active-duty service members.

"We ask only this: that in remembering Tyler, people pause to see the good this country still holds, rather than what divides it," his parents wrote. "We're building a scholarship in his name... We're starting it with his death gratuity, and we welcome anyone moved to give."

The family said they hope the scholarship reflects the values Tyler carried throughout his lifem service, education, leadership, and helping others succeed, ensuring that even after his death, his commitment to lifting others up continues.