Ohio Mom’s Heartache: Tragic Loss of 28-Year-Old National Guard Member in Iraq Accident

The tragic crash of a refueling aircraft in Iraq this week claimed the lives of six U.S. servicemembers, including a soldier from Ohio. Tyler Simmons, aged 28, was among the three National Guard Airmen from Ohio who perished when the U.S. KC-135 plane went down on Thursday.

This heartbreaking incident occurred amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which has now stretched into its 15th day. The loss of all six individuals on board has cast a somber shadow over the military community and their loved ones.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther took to Facebook to express his condolences, stating, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tyler Simmons, whose life was taken far too soon in a recent accident in Iraq.”

Tyler Simmons was a proud graduate of Eastmoor Academy in Columbus and served with dedication in the United States Air Force. Mayor Ginther acknowledged Simmons’ service, honoring his commitment and sacrifice for the nation.

Simmons was an Eastmoor Academy graduate from Columbus who ‘proudly served’ in the United States Air Force, Ginther said. 

‘We honor his memory as a true hero who served our country with courage and dedication. Please keep Tyler’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.’ 

Simmons’ mother tearfully recalled the moment they received the devastating news of Simmons’ passing. 

‘When he opened the door, he said, “Oh no,” and I jumped up and ran in there and they were lined up out on the porch. You got to be kidding me,’ Cheryl Simmons told WBNS 10.

‘Once he got in the back of that airplane, that was it. He said, “I will retire from this mom. I will retire from this.” I said, well what about the pilot? You always wanted to be a pilot. ‘I’ll do that with commercial after I retire from doing this.’

Now, Cheryl mourns her only child, and said: ‘It stops. We’re done. You know, no children…’

Tracy Peaks, Simmons’ cousin, told the outlet: ‘He had a million-dollar smile. When people see my cousin they’d be like, that smile is gonna take him places and it took him to his dream job.’

Another family member said Simmons was ‘truly an amazing man,’ who was ‘loving.’

‘He loved his dog Grayson, he loved his family, his friends, Shayna, he’s just that guy. He would do anything for you,’ they said, the outlet reported. 

Tyler Simmons, 28, was identified as one of the servicemembers in the deadly crash aboard a US KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down over western Iraq

Simmons’ mother tearfully recalled the moment they received the devastating news of their only child’s death

The KC-135 refueling plane went down on Thursday in  ‘friendly airspace’ and a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. Picture shows the second aircraft with damage to its tail

 A family member of Simmons’ wrote on Facebook: ‘This loss has been heavy not just for our family, but for the many lives you touched and the love you left behind’

A relative of Simmons’ wrote on Facebook: ‘This loss has been heavy not just for our family, but for the many lives you touched and the love you left behind.’

‘Please continue to watch over your mom…She’s taking this so hard, but I know the bond you shared will always surround her. You were truly her world. We love you forever, Ty.’ 

A former track coach described Simmons as a ‘great young man’ who ‘always had a smile on his face and a huge energy about him.’

‘After he graduated, we stayed in touch and even went on double dates back in the day with our ladies at the time. Watching him grow over the years was something I was really proud of,’ he continued. 

‘Ty lost his life in yet another pointless war. My heart aches for the Simmons family. I was so proud of the strides he made in the Air Force as a refueling pilot, but even more proud of the strides he made as a man—changing habits that no longer served him and putting his health and future first.’

Simmons was his parents’ only son, according to a family friend who described him as a ‘true hero.’

State Representative Latyna M Humphrey wrote on Facebook: ‘Tyler Simmons was one of us. A son of Columbus. A graduate of Eastmoor Academy. A proud member of the United States Air Force, and a resident of Ohio’s House District 2.’

‘My heart is with Tyler’s family, friends and the entire Eastmoor community as they process this unimaginable loss. When someone from our neighborhood answers the call to serve, they carry all of us with them – our streets, our schools, our hopes and our pride.

‘Tyler served with courage and dedication. That service deserves our deepest gratitude and respect.’

Simmons was part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing. The group wrote on Facebook: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing.’

A former track coach described Simmons as a ‘great young man’ who ‘always had a smile on his face and a huge energy about him’

A family member said that Simmons, his parents’ only son, was his mother’s ‘world’ and she is ‘taking this so hard.’ ‘We love you forever, Ty,’ they said

Simmons was an Eastmoor Academy graduate from Columbus who ‘proudly served’ in the United States Air Force

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow Airmen who mourn their loss,’ the post continued. 

‘We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization. 

‘Additionally, we ask that you respect the family’s wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.’

Governor Mike DeWine wrote on X that he and Fran ‘are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families.’

Ohio Senator Jon Husted posted on X: ‘Tina and I are heartbroken to learn of the loss of the six National Guard Airmen, including three Ohio Air National Guard members, in the US KC-135 crash.’

‘These heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country—putting the safety and security of their fellow Americans above themselves,’ he continued.

‘We will always remember these service members’ noble mission to protect the homeland and the sacred freedom of America….As our service members continue to carry the flag of freedom around the globe, may they continue the righteous mission for which these heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice. God bless our troops.’

US Central Command announced Thursday that a KC-135 refueling plane had gone down in ‘friendly airspace’ and a second aircraft involved in the incident landed safely. 

The other servicemembers who perished in the crash have yet to be identified.