The identity of the first of six U.S. service members killed in a military refueling aircraft crash in Iraq has been confirmed by family members.
The victim is Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, a member of the Ohio Air National Guard.
Simmons was aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker when it collided with another KC-135 in allied-controlled airspace during Operation Epic Fury.
Last call with his mother
The family said Simmons had spoken with his mother just one day before the crash.
His mother, Cheryl Simmons, told WSYX television that the two had a long conversation.
She recalled:
“He called me on Wednesday. We had a really beautiful conversation. I asked him how he was doing, and he said everything was fine.”
According to Cheryl Simmons, her son also mentioned that his unit had been shot at during the deployment, but he said he was still safe.
Member of Ohio refueling unit
Simmons served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio before being deployed to the Middle East.
The unit confirmed that three of its members were killed in the plane crash in western Iraq, an area already tense following Iranian attacks on a U.S. military base nearby.
In an official statement, the unit wrote:
“We share in the grief of the families and loved ones of our airmen. Their contributions to our nation and our wing will never be forgotten.”
The soldier with the “million-dollar smile”
Family and friends remembered Simmons as someone who was always optimistic.
His cousin Tracy Peaks said:
“He had a million-dollar smile. Everyone who met him remembered it. The job of aerial refueling requires someone very smart and dedicated, and Tyler was that person.”
Simmons was known as someone who loved his family, friends, and was especially close to his dog.
Local leaders send condolences
After Simmons’ identity was released, many leaders in Ohio sent their condolences, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, and Rep. Joyce Beatty.
Governor DeWine wrote on social media:
“Three of the six service members killed during the refueling mission in Iraq were from Ohio. We are deeply saddened and send our heartfelt condolences to their families.”
Community remembrance
A restaurant in Columbus where Simmons used to eat every week renamed a menu item in his memory.
The restaurant owner wrote on social media:
“We will miss your smile and energy. From today, the Grippo Sticky wings will be called ‘Tyler’s Grippo Stick.’”
Remaining service members not yet identified
The identities of the remaining five service members have not been released as the military awaits completion of next-of-kin notification. This process is similar to when the Pentagon released the identities of soldiers killed in previous missions in the region.
At a Pentagon press briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said:
“War is always chaotic. And tragic things like the KC-135 refueling aircraft crash can happen. They were all American heroes.”
