COLUMBUS, Ohio Hundreds of Central Ohio residents lined streets on the city’s east side Sunday, standing in silence as a solemn procession brought home one of their own, a young airman remembered as much for his kindness as his service.
The remains of Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, a Columbus native and graduate of Eastmoor Academy, were escorted from Rickenbacker International Airport to a local funeral home, drawing an outpouring of support from neighbors, veterans, and strangers paying their respects.
Simmons was among three Ohio-based airmen killed earlier this month in a refueling aircraft crash in Iraq. The return of all three service members has united communities across the region in grief and tribute.
A Community Lines the Streets
The procession through southeast Columbus became a powerful moment of collective mourning, with residents gathering along roadways to honor Simmons as he was brought home.
More than 200 motorcyclists joined the escort near Rickenbacker, while a KC-135 tanker aircraft flew overhead accompanied by fighter jets — a tribute to the airmen’s service.
Among those उपस्थित was Anthony Gardner, a retired U.S. Marine, who said attending the procession was not optional.
“I left work to be here,” Gardner said. “I will be standing right here, saluting them.”
Others came despite having no personal connection, reflecting the broader impact of the loss. Kari Pfeifer, a retired Air National Guard member, traveled to Columbus to pay her respects, while Dorothy Thomas of Gahanna attended in support of her granddaughter, who serves in the same unit.
Remembering ‘An Authentic Self’
Friends and family say Simmons’ legacy extends far beyond his military role.
Childhood friend Ty Carter described the loss as deeply personal and difficult to process.
“He was someone you wanted to grow up and grow old with,” Carter said.
Those who knew Simmons from Eastmoor Academy and church communities recalled his constant smile, dimples, and what they described as an “authentic” and compassionate personality.
Family friend Jennifer Kee Tyson called the loss “unexplainable,” adding that the community’s prayers remain with Simmons’ family.
Simmons’ father, Mylo Simmons, said he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
“I’m just proud,” he said. “It’s good to know that he affected so many lives that I had no idea.”
Simmons was his parents’ only child.
Three Members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing
Simmons served as a boom operator with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 121st Air Refueling Wing. He was one of three service members from the unit killed in the March 12 crash in western Iraq.
The others were Capt. Seth Koval, 38, of Stoutsville, an aircraft commander with 19 years of service and Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Columbus, a KC-135 pilot with 10 years of service.
All three were honored during a dignified arrival ceremony Sunday at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
They were among six U.S. service members killed in the crash, which occurred in friendly airspace while supporting Operation Epic Fury. Officials have said the incident was not the result of hostile fire.
The outpouring of support for our fallen heroes comes during a week of significant change for the city, including Three Ohio Air National Guard Members from Rickenbacker Base Killed in KC-135 Crash in Iraq.
From Dover to Central Ohio
The return to Columbus followed a dignified transfer ceremony held March 18 at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where families received the fallen.
Public officials, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and members of Ohio’s congressional delegation, attended the ceremony. Flags across the state were ordered to half-staff in honor of the three airmen.
A Region in Mourning
For many in attendance Sunday, the loss resonated beyond personal connections, reflecting the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
Some expressed grief alongside concern about the broader conflict overseas, while others focused on honoring the lives of those lost.
Memorial funds have been established through Rickenbacker Military Families to support the families of all three airmen.
Honoring a Lasting Legacy
As the procession moved quietly through Columbus, the turnout underscored the lasting impression Simmons made on his community.
He was 28 years old.
And on a quiet Sunday afternoon, a city stood still to make sure he, and the others who served alongside him were not forgotten
Columbus Frontline covers local news, public safety, and community stories across Central Ohio.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports, official statements, and verified eyewitness accounts as of publication. Details may be updated as new information is confirmed.