Ohio Airmen Among Six Servicemembers Killed in Iraq Plane Crash

Six U.S. Servicemembers, including three from Ohio, were killed on March 12, 2026, when a KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq near the border of Iraq and Jordan. The crash occurred while supporting Operation Epic Fury, according to reports.

Ohio Servicemembers Identified

The fallen airmen have been identified as Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio; and Sergeant Seth Koval, 38, of Stoutsville, Ohio. All three were members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

Captain Curtis J. Angst

Captain Angst, a ten-year veteran of the Ohio Air National Guard, graduated from Wilmington High School and earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati. His family described him as a man defined by service, generosity and a genuine love for people. “He was doing what he loved most—flying and serving alongside the men and women he cared so deeply about,” his family said in a statement according to WSYX.

Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons

Technical Sergeant Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, was similarly among those killed in the crash. He was working his “dream job” at the time of his death, his family shared as reported by People Magazine.

Sergeant Seth Koval

Sergeant Koval, 38, of Stoutsville, Ohio, was the third Ohioan to be identified among the deceased.

Official Reactions

Vice President JD Vance, a native of Middletown, Ohio, asked for prayers for all the service members killed, noting he had previously visited the 121st Air Refueling Wing as reported by The Columbus Dispatch. Leaders of the Ohio Air National Guard expressed their grief, stating, “Our Ohio National Guard family is grieving. We lost three exceptional airmen.”

Investigation Ongoing

The Department of Defense is investigating the cause of the KC-135 Stratotanker crash.