The grieving family of a young American airman killed during military operations tied to the escalating conflict with Iran is speaking out in anguish—and anger—while President Donald Trump spent the weekend on the golf course in Florida.
Tech Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, was among six U.S. service members killed Thursday when an Air Force refueling aircraft went down during a mission supporting combat operations connected to the war with Iran. The loss has devastated his family back home in Ohio, where relatives say the tragedy never should have happened.
“Just the worst nightmare we could ever imagine,” Simmons’ cousin, Stephan Douglas, said in an emotional interview with NBC4. “We trust in God to comfort our family. But we believe this could have been prevented. It’s a sad day.”
Douglas didn’t hold back when discussing the broader conflict that sent Simmons overseas.
“We didn’t need to be in this war,” he said bluntly. “This is uncalled for, and this is what we get.”
The Pentagon confirmed Simmons was one of six airmen killed in the crash. The aircraft had been supporting operations tied to the conflict that erupted after Trump authorized military action against Iranian targets late last month.
For Simmons’ grandmother, Bernice Smith, the grief is compounded by frustration.
“Families are suffering right now,” Smith said. “Starting a war because you want a war is not right.”
In a written statement, Simmons’ relatives described the 28-year-old as a bright presence who touched everyone around him.
“Tyler’s smile could light up any room,” the family said. “His strong presence filled every space he walked into. His parents, grandparents, family and friends are devastated by the loss of his life.”
The statement also urged Americans to remember the fallen when they head to the polls later this year.
“Vote for Tyler and the five others who lost their lives recently and for all those serving our country,” the family wrote. “They are heroes who are loved and will be missed. We pray for our nation to do better and be better.”
Friends and neighbors echoed that sentiment on social media.
“We love you, Tyler Simmons, and could never forget you,” one woman wrote online, saying the airman had grown up next door to her family. “You were an amazing young man who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will always look out for your parents in your honor.”
Simmons was one of three members of the Ohio Air National Guard killed in the crash. The others were Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, of Columbus, and Capt. Seth Koval, 38, of Stoutsville.
The Department of Defense also identified the remaining victims as Maj. Alex Klinner of Auburn, Alabama; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.
Their deaths highlight the growing toll of the new conflict in the Middle East. Since the war began on February 28—after Trump ordered strikes in coordination with Israel without formal congressional approval—13 American service members have been killed and more than 140 injured, according to defense officials.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment about the families’ criticism.
But the timing of the tragedy has fueled controversy in Washington.
On Saturday—the same day the Pentagon released the names of the fallen airmen—Trump was seen leaving his golf club in West Palm Beach. According to White House pool reports, the president returned to the course again on Sunday.
Presidential golfing during wartime has long been politically sensitive. During the Iraq War, former President George W. Bush famously stopped playing the sport entirely.
“I think playing golf during a war just sends the wrong signal,” Bush said in 2008. “I don’t want some mom whose son may have died recently to see the commander-in-chief playing golf.”
For families like the Simmonses, the debate is not political—it is painfully personal.
“Our hearts are broken beyond measure,” the family said in its statement. “Tyler and the other airmen gave everything for their country. They deserve to be remembered.”
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This young airman being mourned by his family was not drafted, so he volunteered for potentially dangerous duties. The incident took place in friendly airspace, and was not due to enemy nor friendly fire, so could have happened anywhere. These deaths were brought about by causes yet unknown, so to blame Trump for deaths completely outside of combat zones is wrong. It may have been caused by a mechanic not tightening a bolt, or it may have been due to a mistake made by the flight crew. We don’t know.
Yeah, an aircraft accident… they happen occasionally… as do traffic accidents…
I am sorry for your loss. I thank you for your son. He is a hero in my eyes. I am grateful for him protecting my three daughters, their husbands and my eight grandchildren. I actually have seven grandsons and one granddaughter. My oldest grandson is in the Navy. I would not blame on President for this mess with Iran. I would blame those who aided Iran with uranium and cash to build the nuclear bombs. I call that America First.
Sorry for the Family of Fallen Airman. Our country USA, including President Trump admire the heroism and Patriotism of the Fallen Airman. President Trump is concerned and involved in the world in general and our USA in particular necessarily needs some diversion from all conflicts in the world, needs some diversion, breathe some different fresh air, free thinking that helps him steer the USA administration more effectively. We do feel and share the pain, perhaps the agony that goes through in the Hearts and lives of the family of the fallen. That does not mean that the Leader of the USA and the free world, stay home in mourning attire and weep. President Trump needs diversion to think freely, take appropriate decision about problems, crises facing our Great USA and the World. May soul of the Hero, the fallen Airman rest in peace ! R.I.P.
David.
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