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The tragic loss of an Ohio Air National Guardsman has cast a shadow over the military community, as Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons has been confirmed as one of six service members who perished when an Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq. Known for his “million-dollar smile,” Simmons hailed from Columbus and served with distinction.
The unfortunate incident occurred when a US Air Force K-135 Stratotanker, which Simmons was aboard, collided with another K-135 over “friendly airspace” in the course of Operation Epic Fury. His family shared this heartbreaking news on Friday, highlighting the risks servicemen face even in seemingly secure zones.
Just a day prior to the tragic crash, Simmons had a heartfelt conversation with his mother, Cheryl Simmons. She recounted to WSYX that Tyler had called her from the Middle East, where he was deployed. “He called me on Wednesday, and we were able to talk to him,” she said. “We actually had a beautiful conversation. I asked, ‘Tyler, how are you?’ and he reassured me, ‘I’m good. I’m good,’ but a mother can tell when her child is facing challenges.” During their talk, Tyler mentioned facing dangerous situations, including being shot at, yet he assured her that he was safe at that moment.
Before his deployment to the Middle East, Simmons was stationed at Ohio’s Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, where he was part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing. His mission in the region was part of broader military operations in and around Iran, underscoring the global reach and ever-present risks faced by members of the armed forces.
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 the military operations around Iran.
The Columbus-based unit revealed three of its airmen were killed in the crash in western Iraq.
“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,” the 121st Air Refueling Wing said in a statement alongside a photo of a KC-135 with Ohio decals.
“Additionally, we ask that you respect the family’s wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.”
Simmons, a boom operator aboard the aircraft, was remembered by family for his personality and love for his job.
“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,” Simmons’ cousin Tracy Peaks told WBNS.
“He was truly an amazing man, and to do the job as an air refueler is a special person. You have to be kinda 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,” she added.
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Tributes from local leaders, including Ohio’s Gov. Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) poured in for Simmons after he was identified by relatives.
“I have been advised by Ohio’s Adjutant General that three of the six servicemembers killed during the air refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans deployed with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing,” DeWine wrote on X. “Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families.”
A local restaurant owner honored the fallen Air National Guard member by renaming a menu item for Simmons, after the TCU graduate would eat at the establishment once a week.
“Us at Latham’s Kitchen will truly miss your energy and smile we are changing our Grippo Sticky wings to ‘TYLER’S GRIPPO STICK.’ Thank (you) for your service you are a true HERO rest up king,” Sean Latham wrote on Facebook.
The identities of the remaining crewmembers were not revealed as the military was withholding their names for 24 hours after their next of kin were notified.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth lauded the fallen as heroes during a Pentagon news conference Friday.
“War is hell. War is chaos,” he said. “And as we saw yesterday with the tragic crash of our KC-135 tanker, bad things can happen. American heroes, all of them.”