Local skating community mourns Ohio Air Guardsman killed in Iraq crash

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — For many people, there’s a place they return to again and again — a favorite restaurant, bar, or gym.

For Technical Sgt. Tyler Simmons, that place was the roller rink.

Simmons was a familiar face at Skate Zone 71, where friends say he spent countless nights gliding across the rink and building a tight-knit community around his love of skating.

Those who knew him say it wasn’t just his skating skills that stood out — it was his personality.

“He would be a light,” said friend James Breneman. “Just seeing him every few months, seeing him come back, it was really good.”

Friends say Simmons had a way of making everyone feel welcome whenever he walked through the door.

“He made it a point to show you love every time he was in a building or any space he was in,” said Rashon Streater, a DJ at Skate Zone 71.

For many at the rink, Simmons was more than a friend.

“That was my brother,” said Ty Carter. “His smile could literally light up a room. His laugh was beyond contagious.”

But skating wasn’t Simmons’ only passion.

He also served his country as a technical sergeant and boom operator with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.

On Thursday, March 12, Simmons was among six service members killed when an air tanker crashed during a mission in Iraq.

The news has left his skating community grieving the loss of someone many describe as irreplaceable.

“It’s super sad. It’s super unfortunate. It hurts,” Streater said.

Carter says he’s still struggling to process the loss.

“Still processing everything and now having to adjust life without my brother being here,” Carter said. “Honestly, I’m just still numb.”

Friends say Simmons’ impact will never fade.

“The impact he left can never be matched,” Carter added. “You only get one person like him. I’m going to miss my brother literally to the end of time.”

Those closest to Simmons will gather Saturday at 7 p.m. at Skate Zone 71 to honor his life and the memories he created on the rink.