Heartbroken Ohio mom recalls moment officers arrived with news son Tyler Simmons died in Iraq crash

COLUMBUS, OHIO: An Ohio Air National Guard member has been identified as one of six US service members killed when a military refueling aircraft crashed in Iraq during operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Tech Sgt Tyler Simmons, 28, from Columbus, Ohio, was among three Ohio National Guard airmen aboard the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker that went down Thursday.

Family recalls moment officers arrived with devastating news

Simmons' mother broke down in tears as she recalled the moment uniformed officers appeared at their home to deliver the heartbreaking news that her only child had died. 

'When he (another relative) opened the door, he said, "Oh no," and I jumped up and ran in there and they were lined up out on the porch,' Cheryl Simmons told WBNS 10.

Simmons’ family said they learned of his death when uniformed officers arrived at their home to deliver the news.

'You got to be kidding me,' she added, while covering her face as she began to sob.

The devastated mother said her son promised her he would one day retire from military service and become a commercial pilot, but he returned in a coffin instead.

Simmons' cousin, Tracy Peaks, remembered him for his 'million dollar smile'.

Another family member said Simmons was 'truly an amazing man,' who was 'loving.'

Simmons was an Eastmoor Academy graduate from Columbus who 'proudly served' in the United States Air Force, according to Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.

Community honors fallen Ohio airman

State Representative Latyna M Humphrey also wrote on Facebook: 'Tyler Simmons was one of us. A son of Columbus. A graduate of Eastmoor Academy. 

Officials across Ohio also paid tribute to the fallen airman.

Simmons was part of the 121st Air Refueling Wing. The group wrote on Facebook: 'It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing.'

Governor Mike DeWine wrote on X that he and Fran 'are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families.'

'I have been advised by Ohio's Adjutant General that three of the six servicemembers killed during the air refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans deployed with the Ohio Air National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing,' DeWine wrote.

A former track coach described Simmons as a 'great young man' who 'always had a smile on his face and a huge energy about him.'

'After he graduated, we stayed in touch and even went on double dates back in the day with our ladies at the time. Watching him grow over the years was something I was really proud of,' he continued.

Military officials said the names of the other service members killed in the crash will be released once all families have been notified.