Death of Dyess dependent child under investigation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Robert Wollenberg
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On Aug. 28, 2012, a 22-month-old dependent child of a Team Dyess active-duty member was transported from Dyess Air Force Base housing to Abilene Regional Medical Center. Unfortunately, efforts to save the child were unsuccessful.

The mother, dependent spouse Tiffany Klapheke, has been charged with three counts of felony child endangerment. Two surviving children were care-flighted to Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth for further care.

"The loss of a Team Dyess member, and especially one so young, is an extremely tragic thing," said Col. Glen VanHerck, 7th Bomb Wing commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all of Team Dyess. We will continue to support and help comfort all who have been impacted by this tragic event."

It's a matter of Department of Defense policy to investigate incidents such as this.

"We will continue to work closely with local authorities to thoroughly complete this investigation," he said. "I ask that everyone keep the family and children in your prayers."

Abilene Police Department is the lead authority in this investigation, assisted by Dyess Security Forces and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.