Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons Among Six Killed In U.S. Military Plane Crash In Iraq
A family in Columbus, Ohio, is mourning after Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons was identified as one of six service members killed in a U.S. military aircraft crash in western Iraq.
Simmons, 28, died on Thursday, March 12, when the KC 135 Stratotanker he was aboard went down while supporting operations in the region, according to his family.
Before the military officially released the names of those killed, Simmons’ parents, Cheryl and Milo Simmons, said they were notified in person late that night. Speaking to WBNS 10TV, they recalled a knock at their door around 10 p.m., followed by the sight of uniformed military officials lined up outside.
“When he opened the door, he said, ‘Oh no,’” Cheryl Simmons said. “And I jumped up and ran in there, and they were lined up out on the porch. And I was like, ‘You got to be kidding me.’”
Milo Simmons told The Columbus Dispatch the family remains in shock, saying, “We’re still in denial.”
Details Of The Military Crash Under Investigation
Simmons was one of three service members from Ohio killed in the crash. He served as a technical sergeant and boom operator with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
At the time of his death, he was deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury.
According to U.S. Central Command, the crash occurred around 2 p.m. Eastern Time following an unspecified incident involving another KC 135 aircraft in what officials described as friendly airspace. The second aircraft landed safely.
Military officials have confirmed the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The cause remains under investigation.
The 121st Air Refueling Wing acknowledged the loss in a public statement, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow Airmen who mourn their loss.”
Remembering Tyler Simmons Beyond His Service
Family members describe Simmons as a loving only child who took pride in serving his country and maintaining close relationships with those around him.
“He was truly an amazing man,” his mother said. “To do the job as an air refueler, you have to be a special person. He was loving. He loved his dog Grayson, he loved his family, his friends. He would do anything for you.”
Simmons graduated from Eastmoor Academy in Columbus, where he played quarterback on the football team. He enlisted in the military in April 2018, fulfilling a long held goal of joining the Air Force.
His cousin, Stephan Douglas, said Simmons approached his career with determination and purpose.
“He was determined. He was a leader, and he wanted to go to the Air Force and make a difference,” Douglas said. “This was his dream job, and for this to happen, it’s just a sad tragedy.”
Outside of his military service, Simmons enjoyed spending time with friends and could often be found at local roller skating events, where family says he created lasting memories.
Iran War and Ongoing Impact
The crash comes amid heightened tensions in the region tied to the ongoing U.S., Israel, and Iran conflict, which has drawn renewed scrutiny over the risks facing deployed service members.
In the aftermath, families of those killed and others across the country have expressed concern about the broader implications of escalating military involvement overseas.
Simmons’ family said funeral arrangements are still pending, with the military overseeing next steps.
