Ohio pilot Tyler Simmons is among 6 members killed in military plane crash in Iraq
An Ohio Air National Guardsman with a “million dollar smile” has been identified as the first of six people killed in an Air Force refueling plane crash in Iraq.
Technology. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, of Columbus, was aboard a US Air Force K-135 Stratotanker before it collided with another K-135 in “friendly air” territory as part of Operation Epic Fury, his family announced Friday.
Simmons, 28, had spoken to his mother one day before his tragic death, informing her of his deployment to the Middle East.
“He called me on Wednesday, we were able to talk to him,” Cheryl Simmons told WSYX. “I was here, and we actually had a good conversation. I was like Tyler, how are you? He said I’m good. I’m fine, but my mom knows. He had some challenges, you know, he told me they got shot, but he was fine.”
Simmons was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Ohio’s Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base before being deployed to the Middle East as part of military operations around Iran.
The Columbus-based air force said three of its airmen died in the crash in western Iraq.
“We share in the grief of their loved ones, and we must not forget the important contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they left on our organization,” the 121st Air Refueling Wing said in a statement accompanying a photo of a KC-135 with Ohio emblems.
“Furthermore, we ask that you respect the wishes of the family and give them space to mourn their loved ones at this difficult time.”
Simmons, a flight attendant, was remembered by the family for his personality and passion for his job.
“He had a million dollar smile. When people see my cousin, they’re like, that smile is going to take him places and get him to his dream job,” Simmons’ cousin Tracy Peaks told WBNS.
“He was a really wonderful man, and working as an air refueler is a special person. You have to be smart to do that. He was loving. He loved his dog Grayson, he loved his family, his friends, Shayna, you know, he’s just that guy. He would do anything for you,” he added.
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Recommendations from local leaders, including Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) flocked to Simmons after he was identified by relatives.
“I have been advised by the Adjutant General of Ohio that three of the six members killed during the air refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans deployed with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing,” DeWine wrote in X. “Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and our sincere condolences go out to our families.”
The restaurant’s owner honored a fallen Air National Guard member by renaming the menu item Simmons, after TCU graduates would eat at the location once a week.
“We at Latham’s Kitchen will truly miss your energy and smile as we change our Grippo Sticky wings to ‘TYLER’S GRIPPO STICK.’ Thank you (you) for your service you are a true HERO of relaxation,” Sean Latham wrote on Facebook.
The details of the remaining personnel were not disclosed as the military withheld their names for 24 hours after their relatives were informed.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the fallen as heroes during a Pentagon news conference on Friday.
“War is hell. War is chaos,” he said. “And as we saw yesterday with the tragic accident of our KC-135, bad things can happen. American heroes, all of them.”
