Crew of Fatal US Military Crash Identified

Victims included an Alabama father recently deployed and several from Ohio

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:06am

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A U.S. military aircraft crashed in western Iraq, resulting in the deaths of several crew members. The victims included an Alabama father who had recently been deployed, as well as several individuals from Ohio.

Why it matters

The crash highlights the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel serving overseas, especially in combat operations. The loss of these crew members will deeply impact their families and communities.

The details

The aircraft, a KC-135 refueling tanker, was supporting military operations against Iran when the crash occurred. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but officials have stated it was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The crew members included a boom operator from Alabama, an aircraft commander with 19 years of service from Ohio, and a pilot with 10 years of service who graduated from the University of Cincinnati.

  • The crash occurred on March 15, 2026.

The players

Tyler Simmons

A boom operator from Alabama who was recently deployed and is survived by his children.

Koval

An aircraft commander with 19 years of service from the Ohio National Guard.

Angst

A pilot with 10 years of service who graduated from the University of Cincinnati.

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What they’re saying

“They won't get to see firsthand the way he would jump up to help in any way he could. They won't see how goofy and funny he was. They won't witness his selflessness, the way he thought about everyone else before himself. They won't get to feel the deep love he had for them.”

— Libby Klinner (Social media post)

“Tyler's smile could light up any room, his strong presence would fill it. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are grief stricken for the loss of life.”

— Tyler Simmons' family (Statement to WCMH-TV)

What’s next

Military officials stated the crash is under investigation, but was 'not due to hostile or friendly fire'.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing risks and sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel serving overseas, especially in combat operations. The loss of these crew members will deeply impact their families and communities.