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Three of the 6 crew members killed in a refueling aircraft crash in Iraq are from Ohio, according to Governor Mike DeWine.<\/p>\n
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks<\/a>]<\/p>\n \u201cI have been advised by Ohio\u2019s Adjutant General that three of the six servicemembers killed during the air refueling mission in Iraq were Ohioans deployed with the\u00a0Ohio\u00a0Air National Guard\u2019s 121st\u00a0Air Refueling Wing. Fran and I are deeply saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to their families,\u201d DeWine said in a social media post<\/a>.<\/p>\n TRENDING STORIES:<\/p>\n Our media partner, WBNS-10 TV<\/a>, identified one of the crew members as Tyler Simmons, of Columbus.<\/p>\n He was an airman with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus.<\/p>\n The 121st Air Refueling Wing<\/a> released a statement regarding the deaths on Friday:<\/p>\n \u201cIt is with a heavy heart that we 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 the six Airmen on a KC-135 Stratotanker that went down 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 during Operation Epic Fury. We share in the sorrow of their loved ones, and we must not forget the valuable contributions these Airmen made to their country and the impact they have left on our organization. Additionally, we ask that you respect the family\u2019s wishes and provide them with space to mourn their loved ones during this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n Senator Jon Husted<\/a> made a statement on the fatal refueling crash:<\/p>\n \u201cTina and I are heartbroken to learn of the loss of the six National Guard Airmen, including three Ohio Air National Guard members, in the U.S. KC-135 crash. These heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country\u2014putting the safety and security of their fellow Americans above themselves. We will always remember these service members\u2019 noble mission to protect the homeland and the sacred freedom of America.\u00a0<\/p>\n Please join me in praying for their families and loved ones as they mourn this unimaginable loss. As our service members continue to carry the flag of freedom around the globe, may they continue the righteous mission for which these heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice.<\/p>\n God bless our troops.”<\/p>\n