The poignant final moments shared between a father and his son, a dedicated U.S. airman, have been brought to light in a recent interview. Mylo Simmons recounted the emotionally charged last conversation with his son, Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, who tragically lost his life in a military crash over Iraq earlier this month. Just hours before the accident, Tyler had called his father with a calm yet foreboding message: “Dad, I don’t think I’m coming back from this.” During a televised interview on Monday night, Mylo shared this heart-wrenching exchange, painting a vivid picture of their bond. “He was very calm, told me how much he loved me,” Mylo recounted to CNN. “He also asked me to tell his dog, Grayson, that he loved him… and you know, he seemed very aware of the situation. Sadly, he did mention he didn’t think he was coming back, and I told him, ‘I’m praying for you.'”

Tragically, just hours after this conversation, 28-year-old Tyler was among six U.S. service members killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a mission. According to U.S. Central Command, the crash happened in “friendly airspace” following an unspecified incident involving two aircraft. While one aircraft landed safely, the incident that led to the crash remains under investigation. Despite the devastating loss, Mylo maintained a composed demeanor during the interview, drawing strength from his faith and the knowledge that his son died pursuing his passion. “I am a man of faith. Tyler was a man of faith,” Mylo reflected. “I really was hoping he was wrong, but the solace I find is that he died doing what he loved.” He added, “I always encouraged him to ‘live life with no regrets.’ Knowing Tyler, he would choose the same path again because he truly loved his work.”

Mylo’s pride in his son was palpable as he described Tyler’s life, a life built around a love for aviation. From a young age, Tyler was driven by a clear sense of purpose, aspiring to be a boom operator—responsible for refueling aircraft mid-flight—and eventually transitioning to a career as a commercial pilot. “In many of our conversations, he expressed his dream of becoming a boom operator, which he achieved,” Mylo shared. “His ultimate goal was to retire and then become a commercial pilot—he was remarkably driven.” Mylo fondly recalled encouraging his son with the words, “Don’t just talk about it, but be about it.” Tyler embodied this mantra in his life, fully committing to his dreams and passions.

Simmons, an Eastmoor Academy graduate from Columbus, was one of several National Guard airmen aboard the doomed aircraft. His mother, Cheryl Simmons, previously described the moment uniformed officers arrived at their home to deliver the devastating news. ‘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 said. ‘You got to be kidding me.’ She broke down in tears as she recounted the moment her only child was taken from her. Other family members have also remembered him as loving, driven, and deeply devoted to those around him. ‘He loved his dog Grayson, he loved his family, his friends,’ one relative said. ‘He’s just that guy. He would do anything for you.’

A cousin recalled his unmistakable presence: a ‘million dollar smile’ that lit up every room he entered. Public officials in Ohio have also paid tribute. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said Simmons ‘proudly served’ his country, while state leaders described him and the other fallen airmen as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. The 121st Air Refueling Wing, to which Simmons belonged, said in a statement: ‘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.’