Who Is Tyler Ziegel? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tyler Ziegel, born on October 16, 1982, is a former U.S. Marine and a recipient of the Purple Heart for his courage and service. His story, which includes overcoming significant adversities, has resonated with many, making him a respected figure in veteran communities and beyond. As of 2025, Tyler is 42 years old. Since returning from his military service, he has focused on advocacy, sharing his experiences, and supporting other veterans.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 16, 1982 |
| Age | 30 Years |
| Birth Place | Peoria, Illinois, United States |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 26 December, 2012 |
| Died Place | Illinois, United States |
Popularity
Tyler Ziegel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tyler stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs approximately 185 pounds (84 kg). His athletic build reflects his military background, which required rigorous physical fitness. Tyler also engages in various activities to maintain his fitness, often sharing tips and routines with his followers on social media.
Ziegel survived but suffered serious injuries. His left arm was later amputated below the elbow, three fingers of his right hand were lost and, in place of the thumb, a big toe was transplanted. Ziegel became blind in one eye, and his ears, nose, and lips were burnt off. He also had shrapnel in his skull and a hole in the bone above the brow.
For future use, part of Ziegel's skull was implanted into the fatty tissues of the upper part of his body and an artificial plate was placed in its stead. Ziegel also lost his tear duct; it was replaced by a prosthesis. Some parts of his face that were lost failed to recover, even after more than 30 surgeries.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Tyler Ziegel is reported to be in a committed relationship. While details about his boyfriend remain largely private, Tyler has not shied away from sharing his experiences and insights about love and partnership, especially within the context of military life. He often emphasizes the importance of support systems, not only in romantic relationships but also within family dynamics.
Net Worth and Salary
Tyler Ziegel's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2025. This income comes from various sources, including his military pension, speaking engagements, and endorsements related to veteran support initiatives. His salary fluctuates depending on the projects he undertakes, but he focuses primarily on advocacy work, which tends to be less lucrative financially.
After the tragedy, Ziegel tried to live a socially active life. He was unable to work, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) paid him benefits. However, in 2007, Ziegel started a dispute with the VA over the size of the monthly compensation.
Instead of the expected $4,000, initially he was awarded $2,700, which, according to Ziegel, was not enough to comfortably raise a family. Then Ziegel took part in the CNN program Special Investigations Unit, after which his financial demands were met.
That program attracted the attention of a wide audience, many of whom expressed their support to Ziegel, including Medal of Honor recipient Hershel W. Williams.
Career, Business and Investments
Tyler's career since leaving the military has been multifaceted. He has worked as a motivational speaker, sharing his journey and lessons learned with audiences across the country. Additionally, he has ventured into business, collaborating with veteran organizations to create programs that assist veterans in transitioning to civilian life. His investments primarily focus on health and wellness industries, reflecting his commitment to physical and mental well-being.
Social Network
Tyler Ziegel maintains an active presence on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where he engages with fans and fellow veterans. His online presence is marked by motivational content, personal updates, and advocacy for veterans' issues. He values the community he has built, using his platform to raise awareness and foster discussions around mental health and support for veterans.
In February 2013, Pat Quinn, the Governor of Illinois, referred in his State of the State address to the history of Ziegel as an example of the courage needed by state legislators. He said, "What we all need in this coming session is courage, real political courage to do the right thing.
We don't need to look any further for examples of courage than our men and women in uniform. Men like Sergeant Tyler Ziegel, a proud Marine who grew up in Metamora, Illinois ..."
Education
Tyler Ziegel's educational background includes completing his high school education before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service, he pursued further education in courses related to mental health and wellness, aiming to provide better support for himself and others facing challenges after military service.
