3 Ohio airmen killed in refueling crash in Iraq, governor says
Three of the six crew members killed in a refueling plane crash in Iraq were from Ohio, according to Governor Mike DeWine.
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“Ohio’s Commander in Chief informed me that three of the six soldiers killed during an air refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families,” DeWine said in a statement. social media post.
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Our media partner, WBNS-10TVHe identified one of the crew members as Tyler Simmons of Columbus.
He was an airman with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.
121st Air Refueling Wing He released a statement about the deaths on Friday:
“We are saddened to share the tragic news of the passing of three Airmen from the 121st Air Refueling Wing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fellow Airmen who mourn their loss. On March 12, 2026, they were among six Airmen aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker that crashed in Western Iraq while flying a combat mission in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. The incident occurred in friendly airspace involving two aircraft. Epic Fury “We share the grief of their loved ones during the operation and must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they left on our organization. We also ask that you respect the family’s wishes and provide them with space to grieve their loved ones during this difficult time.”
Senator Jon Husted He made a statement regarding the fatal refueling accident:
“Tina and I were heartbroken to learn of the loss of six National Guard Airmen, including three Ohio Air National Guard members, in the U.S. KC-135 crash. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country, placing the safety and security of their fellow Americans above themselves. We will always remember these service members’ noble mission to protect America’s homeland and sacred freedom.
Please join me in praying for their families and loved ones as they mourn this unimaginable loss. As our soldiers continue to carry the flag of freedom around the world, may they also continue the righteous mission for which these heroes made the ultimate sacrifice.
“May God protect our soldiers,” he said.
Like previously reportedThe KC-135 was shot down over western Iraq in friendly airspace on Thursday in support of Operation Epic Fury.
The aircraft did not crash due to enemy or friendly fire.
A second aircraft was damaged but landed safely.
News Center 7 is trying to learn the identities of the other two Ohioans killed in the crash.
This accident is still under investigation.
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