A US Air Force refuelling aircraft crash in western Iraq has left six servicemembers dead, including 28-year-old Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, in one of the deadliest recent incidents linked to ongoing US operations in the region.
The aircraft, identified as a KC-135 Stratotanker, went down on March 12 while operating in what officials described as “friendly airspace.”
According to US Central Command, the crash followed an unspecified mid-air incident involving two aircraft, though the second plane landed safely.
‘He said he wasn’t coming back’: Father recalls final call
In an emotional account to , Simmons’ father, Mylo, revealed that his son had expressed a chilling premonition just a day before the crash.
“He told me he didn’t think he was coming back,” Mylo said, describing his son as “very calm” during their final conversation.
Simmons also asked his father to pass on his love to family members and even to his dog, Grayson. Despite the heartbreaking warning, his father said he had hoped his son would be wrong.
‘He died doing what he loved’
Despite the tragedy, Simmons’ father found some solace in knowing his son was committed to his calling.
“If he could do it all over again, he’d probably make the same decision,” he said, adding that his son lived life without regrets.
A sentiment that now echoes as both tribute and farewell.
A life of service and passion for aviation
Simmons, a native of Columbus, Ohio, served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. He was known among family and friends for his dedication to the Air Force and his deep passion for aviation.
After graduating from Eastmoor Academy High School in 2015, Simmons initially worked in a security role before training as a boom operator, a critical position responsible for mid-air refuelling of military aircraft.
Family members said he “loved what he did” and took pride in his role.
Family’s grief and memories
Simmons’ mother, Cheryl, recalled the devastating moment she learned of her son’s death, when officers arrived at her home.
“They were lined up out on the porch… You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said, describing the shock.
Relatives remembered Simmons for his bright personality, signature smile, and positive outlook on life.
Other victims identified
Three of the six airmen killed were from Ohio, including Simmons, Seth Koval (38), and Curtis Angst (30), all part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing.
The remaining victims — Maj. John A. Klinner (33), Capt. Ariana Savino (31), and Tech Sgt. Ashley Pruitt (34) — were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.
Political leaders and officials paid tribute to the fallen airmen, calling them “American heroes.” Ohio leaders expressed particular grief, noting that multiple victims hailed from the state.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said the city “honours his courage and dedication,” while others remembered Simmons as a young man who served with pride.
Rising toll in Iran-linked conflict
The crash adds to a growing number of US military casualties following coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
At least 13 American servicemembers have been killed so far, including six in a March 1 drone strike in Kuwait and six in the Iraq crash.
