Family mourns Ohio Air National Guard member killed in Iraq KC-135 refueling aircraft crash

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https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/family-mourns-ohio-air-national-guard-member-from-columbus-killed-iran-iraq-crash-tyler-simmons-operation-epic-fury Family and friends are remembering a former standout athlete who died while serving his country in support of Operation Epic Fury. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, was one of three Ohio Air National Guard members who died when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 12. U.S. Central Command said the identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified, but Simmons' family has publicly identified him as one of the casualties. Simmons was a technical sergeant and boom operator with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. "He called me on Wednesday, and we were able to talk to him," his mother, Cheryl Simmons, told WSYX. "I was over here, and we actually had a beautiful conversation. I was like Tyler, how are you? He said I'm good. I'm good, but mother knows. He was having some challenges, you know, he told me they had been shot at, but he was okay." His mother said she's waiting for answers on how this happened. Family and friends all remember the positivity Simmons brought into their lives. His cousin Simone Sanchez described him as "a man of faith." His best friend since elementary school, Tatyana Preston, said she knows where he is now. "If you're having a bad day and you're around him, you're now going to be a happy person. And I know he's in Heaven." Those who knew him say Tyler’s legacy is clear: a young man from Columbus who dreamed of serving his country and making an impact in the world. In just 28 years, his family says, he did exactly that. At Eastmoor Academy High School, Simmons was known for his leadership and his smile. He played football, ran track, and inspired everyone around him. Ty Erskine, who coached Simmons when he was a runner at Eastmoor, remembered him as a positive presence who stood out both on and off the field. “He was a bright young man,” Erskine said. Erskine said Simmons brought enthusiasm wherever he went. “He was always the energy of the room, the energy on the bus, pretty much they could say the same when it came to football,” he said. Before entering the cockpit of a military plane, Simmons was a star football player at Eastmoor. Erskine said he stayed in touch with Simmons after he joined the service and was proud to see what he accomplished. “When I saw that he was a [boom pilot], I thought that was great. I had never seen anybody like that. For him, being a Black man doing that is rare. I can see he was very proud of himself as well,” Erskine said. Erskine also spoke about the loss for Simmons’ family. "The saddest part about it, his parents won't get to experience him again for Father's or Mother's Day. Another sad thing is we won't get to see his smile again," he said. As those who knew Simmons mourn, Erskine said his influence will endure. “The impact on the people that he knew will live longer than anything he's ever done,” he said. _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: WSYX on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WSYXABC6 WSYX on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsyx6 WSYX on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsyx6/ Subscribe to WSYX on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6HHWRGuLD11spg9DxKAZlQ//?sub_confirmation=1 Daily News Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVJHjLYVOrAgtGirvHOL3kyw3nSkjE33o For more information, visit https://abc6onyourside.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 614.481.6659 WSYX and WTTE are OH based stations owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #WSYX #ABC6 #News #WSYX6 #6OnYourSide