Ohio Airman Tyler Simmons Among 6 Killed in Iraq Refueling Crash

Simmons, a 'million-dollar smile' boom operator, was among the Ohio Air National Guard members who died in the military aircraft incident.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:50am

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Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons, a 28-year-old Ohio Air National Guardsman, was identified as one of six U.S. service members killed when an Air Force refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq. Simmons, who was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Ohio's Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, was remembered by his family for his personality and love for his job as a boom operator aboard the doomed aircraft.

Why it matters

The crash occurred during military operations around Iran, highlighting the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed to the Middle East. Simmons' death has prompted tributes from local leaders and a restaurant owner who honored the fallen airman by renaming a menu item after him.

The details

The Air Force K-135 Stratotanker Simmons was aboard collided with another K-135 over 'friendly airspace' as part of Operation Epic Fury. Simmons had spoken to his mother the day before his death, updating her on the challenges he was facing during his deployment, including being shot at. Three of the six service members killed were from Simmons' unit, the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

  • Simmons spoke to his mother on Wednesday, a day before the crash.
  • The crash occurred on March 12, 2026.

The players

Tech. Sgt. Tyler Simmons

A 28-year-old Ohio Air National Guardsman assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, who was killed in the refueling aircraft crash in Iraq.

Cheryl Simmons

Tyler Simmons' mother, who spoke to him the day before his death.

Tracy Peaks

Tyler Simmons' cousin, who remembered him for his 'million-dollar smile' and loving personality.

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio, who offered condolences to the families of the three Ohio Air National Guard members killed in the crash.

Sean Latham

A local restaurant owner who honored Tyler Simmons by renaming a menu item after him.

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What they’re saying

“He called me on Wednesday, and we were able to talk to him. I was like Tyler, how are you? He said I'm good. I'm good, but mother knows. He was having some challenges, you know, he told me they had been shot at, but he was okay.”

— Cheryl Simmons, Tyler Simmons' mother (WSYX ABC 6)

“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.”

— Tracy Peaks, Tyler Simmons' cousin (WBNS)

“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, Local restaurant owner (Facebook)

What’s next

The military is withholding the identities of the remaining five service members killed in the crash for 24 hours after notifying their next of kin.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members deployed to the Middle East, and the lasting impact their service and loss can have on local communities.