A U.S. Air Force tanker plane crashed in western Iraq, killing six service members, including a 28-year-old technical sergeant. Tyler Simmons is one of the deadliest recent incidents related to ongoing U.S. operations in the region.The plane, identified as a KC-135 Stratotanker, crashed on March 12 while flying in what officials described as “friendly airspace.” The crash occurred after an unidentified mid-air incident involving two aircraft, but the second aircraft landed safely, according to U.S. Central Command.
‘He said he wouldn’t come back’: Dad recalls final phone call
in emotional accounts CNNSimmons’ father, Milo, revealed that just the day before the accident, his son had expressed a chilling premonition.“He told me he didn’t think he was coming back,” said Mylo, who described his son as “very calm” during their final conversation.Simmons also asked his father to spread his love to his family and even his dog Grayson. Despite the heartbreaking warning, his father said he hopes his son is wrong.
“He died doing what he loved”
Despite the tragedy, Simmons’ father took some comfort in knowing his son was committed to his mission.“If he could do it over again, he would probably make the same decision,” he said, adding that his son had no regrets in his life. That sentiment echoes now, as both a tribute and a farewell.
A lifetime of service and a passion for aviation
Simmons, a native of Columbus, Ohio, served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. He was well known among family and friends for his dedication to the Air Force and love of aviation.After graduating from Eastmoor College High School in 2015, Simmons initially worked in a security role before training as a boom operator, a key position responsible for aerial refueling of military aircraft.Family members said he “loved what he did” and was proud of his role.
Family sorrow and memories
Simmons’ mother, Cheryl, recalled the devastating moment she learned her son was dead when police arrived at her home.“They were lining up on the porch… you’ve got to be kidding me,” she said, describing the shock.Relatives of Simmons remembered his cheerful personality, signature smile and positive outlook on life.
Other victims identified
Three of the six pilots killed were from Ohio, including Simmons, Seth Koval (38) and Curtis Angst (30), all members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing.The remaining victims included Major John A. Klingner (33), Captain Ariane Savino (31) and Technical Sgt. Ashley Pruitt (34) – Assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.Political leaders and officials paid tribute to the fallen airmen, calling them “American heroes.” Ohio leaders expressed particular sadness, noting that multiple victims were from the state. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said the city “pays tribute to his courage and dedication,” while others remembered Simmons as a young man who proudly served.
Casualties in Iran-linked conflict rising
The crash has resulted in an increasing number of U.S. military casualties since the United States and Israel launched a coordinated attack on Iran on February 28.At least 13 U.S. service members have been killed so far, including six during a drone strike in Kuwait on March 1 and six in a plane crash in Iraq.
