Nationwide — Tyler Simmons, a 28-year-old African American airman from Columbus, Ohio, died Thursday night in a KC-135 refueling plane crash in western Iraq, along with five other crew members. The crash occurred during a routine mission supporting U.S. operations for Trump’s war in Iran.
Simmons served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. U.S. According to 11Alive, Central Command said the crash followed an incident involving two aircraft, though the other plane landed safely.
Tyler grew up in Columbus and graduated from Eastmoor Academy High School in 2015, where he played football. After starting in security, he trained as a boom operator, the role responsible for refueling other military planes mid-flight.
Local leaders expressed condolences. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called Tyler a “true hero who served our country with courage and dedication.” Rep. Joyce Beatty noted that Tyler and five other service members, including two from Ohio, sacrificed their lives in the crash.
The accident raises the U.S. death toll in Operation Epic Fury to at least 13 service members. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been in service for over 60 years and has been involved in several fatal accidents, the most recent in 2013.
Tyler’s mother, Cheryl Simmons, said he was passionate about his work and had planned to retire from it before pursuing commercial aviation. She recalled the moment officers delivered the news, saying, “It stops. We’re done. You know, no children.” Tyler was their only child.
Family and friends remember Tyler for his bright smile and warm personality. Cousin Tracy Peaks said, “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.” He loved his dog Grayson and spending time with loved ones. A family member added, “He was truly an amazing man… He would do anything for you.”