Father Shares Heartbreaking Final Conversation with Son Before Fatal Military Crash
The father of a United States airman killed in a catastrophic military aircraft crash over Iraq earlier this month has publicly revealed the haunting final words his son spoke just hours before his tragic death. Mylo Simmons described how his son, Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, calmly told him during a phone call: 'Dad, I don't think I'm coming back from this.'
Calm Final Exchange Between Father and Son
In an emotional televised interview broadcast on Monday night, Mylo Simmons painted a heartbreaking picture of the final conversation between a devoted father and his only child. 'He was very calm, told me how much he loved me,' Mylo Simmons explained to CNN during the interview. 'He told me to say he loved his dog, Grayson... and you know, he was very insightful.'
The grieving father continued: 'Unfortunately he did tell me he didn't think he was coming back. And I told him, "I'm praying for you."' Mere hours after this poignant exchange, Simmons, aged 28, was among six United States service members killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed over western Iraq during a mission supporting ongoing operations in the region.
Military Investigation Underway
United States Central Command confirmed the crash occurred in what they described as 'friendly airspace' following an unspecified incident involving two aircraft. Military officials emphasized that the tragedy was 'not due to hostile or friendly fire.' The second aircraft involved in the incident managed to land safely at its destination, though it sustained visible damage to its tail section.
For Mylo Simmons, the devastating loss remains almost incomprehensible. Yet during his television interview, he maintained remarkable composure, drawing strength from his religious faith and the knowledge that his son died while performing duties he passionately loved. 'I am a man of faith. Tyler was a man of faith,' Mylo said of his deceased son. 'And I really was hoping that he was going to be wrong, but the solace that I have is he died doing what he loved doing.'
A Life Built Around Aviation
The father described how Tyler Simmons had meticulously constructed his entire life around aviation, revealing a young man driven by profound purpose and dedication. For years, Tyler had dreamed of becoming a boom operator—the critical specialist responsible for refueling aircraft during mid-air operations—with aspirations to eventually transition into a commercial pilot career after military retirement.
'The countless conversations that we had... he dreamed of being the boom operator, which is exactly what he was doing,' Mylo Simmons recalled with evident pride. 'And ultimately he wanted to retire as a boom operator and then become a commercial pilot—so he was exceptionally driven.'
Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons served as an in-flight refueling specialist with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, having previously participated in training exercises including refueling a C-17 Globemaster during a teacher orientation flight at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Ohio during April 2023.
Family and Community Mourn Their Loss
The airman's mother, Cheryl Simmons, separately described the traumatic moment when uniformed military officers arrived at their family home to deliver the devastating notification of her only child's death. 'When he opened the door, he said, "Oh no," and I jumped up and ran in there and they were lined up out on the porch,' she recounted through tears. 'You got to be kidding me.'
Family members have remembered Tyler Simmons as a loving, driven individual deeply devoted to those around him. One relative emphasized: 'He loved his dog Grayson, he loved his family, his friends. He's just that guy. He would do anything for you.' A cousin recalled his unforgettable presence, describing a 'million dollar smile' that illuminated every room he entered.
Public officials in Ohio have paid tribute to the fallen airman. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther stated that Simmons 'proudly served' his country, while state leaders described him and the other deceased airmen as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. The 121st Air Refueling Wing released an official statement expressing: 'It 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.'
As the military investigation into the crash continues, the Simmons family clings to memories of a remarkable son whose brief life was defined by service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his aviation dreams.
