Neighbors remember Tempe firefighter killed during storm
Reported by: ABC15.com staff
Last Update: 12/09 7:08 pm
Neighbors remember Tempe firefighter killed during storm
Tempe firefighter dies when tree falls on tent while hunting
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FLAGSTAFF, AZ -- Neighbors are remembering a Tempe firefighter killed when a large tree snapped during Monday's big storm and crushed him as he slept in a tent.
Skylar Stock of Queen Creek was with a friend on an elk hunting trip when he was killed Monday night. Officials got the 9-1-1 call around 10:30 p.m.
"He was a great father, I didn't speak to him much but he was always looking after his kids," said neighbor Walter Eyden. "Great family man, it's tragic for his family."
Gerry Blair with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office said Stock and another hunter were asleep in their tent during the severe winter storm that brought high wind gusts.
Blair said the 27-year-old's hunting companion was unhurt when the 70-foot ponderosa pine snapped off about 20 feet above the ground and came crashing down on the pair's tent.
"He was always real good watching his kids," said neighbor Kelle Johnson. "When they would ride up and down the sidewalk he would stand there and just watch them."
The top portion of the tree fell on the tent and struck Stock on the head causing his immediate death, according to Blair.
"Just complete shock," said a neighbor who only wanted to be referred to by his first name, John.
"Sometimes the ones who get taken away are the very best ones," added John. "(The accident) just does not seem fair."
Officials said the 70-foot tree snapped and fell on the hunters' tent (Coconino County Sheriff's Office)
The other man wasn't hurt and cut his way out of the tent, using Stock's cell phone to call 911, officials said.
The men were camping off of State Route 260 about 20 miles east of Camp Verde. Winds from the major winter storm that was lashing the area were clocked at above 60 mph when the tree snapped.
Detectives who inspected the tree at the point where it broke reported obvious evidence of severe ant infestation, Blair said.
Tempe police say Stock was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
They say he is survived by his wife, and three young children, a four-year-old boy and two daughters who are two-years-old and 8-months-old.
Statement from Skylar Stock's family
Skylar Stock
Skylar Wayne Stock, 27, of Queen Creek, died as a result of injuries sustained when a tree blown over by Monday's storm fell across the tent he was sleeping in. Skylar was a selfless individual who would help anyone in need at any time. His career choice as a Firefighter suited well this instinct of selflessness, as he was in his 2nd year with Tempe Fire Department.
Skylar made friends easily. He lived the gospel of Jesus Christ and was raising his three young children to also know and love the Lord.
The family wishes to thank all those who have expressed their condolences and would also like to express deep appreciation to the Firefighters on his crew and the others at Tempe Fire for the camaradarie and genuine support shown to them.
An account has been established at Wells Fargo Bank under the name of Stock Family Donation Fund for those wishing to contribute to the family.
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