COLUMBUS, Three members of the Ohio Air National Guard assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in southeast Columbus were among six U.S. service members killed Thursday when a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command and Ohio officials.
Family members identified one of the victims as Technical Sgt. Tyler Simmons of Columbus, a boom operator with the 166th Air Refueling Squadron. The identities of the other two Ohio airmen have not yet been released as the military continues notifying their families.
KC-135 Crash Occurred During Mission Over Western Iraq
U.S. Central Command said the aircraft went down around 2 p.m. Eastern time Thursday while flying in what officials described as “friendly airspace” in western Iraq.
All six service members on board were killed in the crash.
Officials said there is currently no indication the aircraft was brought down by hostile or friendly fire. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
A second aircraft that was part of the same mission landed safely, according to Central Command.
Columbus Airman Identified as Technical Sgt. Tyler Simmons
Family members confirmed to local media that one of the victims was Technical Sgt. Tyler Simmons of Columbus.
Simmons served as a boom operator, the crew member responsible for transferring fuel to other aircraft during midair refueling operations. He was assigned to the 166th Air Refueling Squadron within the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
Reports say Simmons previously deployed to Morocco in 2025 and appeared in a U.S. Air Force video highlighting the unit’s refueling operations.
Family members said they first learned about the crash through news reports.
“When we heard it on the news last night about something that happened, we were hoping that Tyler was not involved in this,” his cousin Stephan Douglas told. “Just the worst nightmare we could ever imagine.”
Former Eastmoor Academy Coach Remembers Simmons
Simmons attended Eastmoor Academy on Columbus’s east side, where he ran track during high school.
Former track coach Tye Erskin described Simmons as a talented athlete with a positive attitude who left a strong impression on teammates and coaches.
“The saddest part about it is his parents won’t get to experience him again for Father’s Day or Mother’s Day,” Erskin said “Another sad thing is we won’t get to see his smile again.”
Ohio Leaders Offer Condolences
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine confirmed the deaths of the three Ohio airmen in a statement Friday.
“Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families,” DeWine said.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted also released a statement recognizing the service members who died in the crash.
“These heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” Husted said.
Officials said they could not yet confirm the hometowns of the other two Ohio victims.
The loss of these service members follows a week of heavy news for the city, including Hilltop Maintenance Worker Dion Carter Remembered After Fatal Stabbing on Sullivant Avenue.
About the 121st Air Refueling Wing
The 121st Air Refueling Wing operates from Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, located near Rickenbacker International Airport on the southeast side of Columbus.
The unit flies the KC-135 Stratotanker, a military aircraft used to refuel fighter jets, bombers and other aircraft during long-distance missions.
The KC-135 has supported U.S. Air Force operations worldwide since the late 1950s.
Investigation into Crash Continues
Military officials said the crash remains under investigation.
U.S. Central Command said there is currently no evidence the aircraft was shot down, despite claims from an Iran-aligned militant group that it was responsible.
Officials said more details will be released as the investigation continues and as the remaining victims are formally identified.
Sources: U.S. Central Command, Office of Ohio Gov, Associated Press
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by U.S. military officials and verified reporting. Details may change as the investigation continues.