FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. --
Coconino County sheriff's detectives and deputies are investigating the death of a 27-year-old Tempe firefighter who was killed when a large tree fell on him while he slept during an elk hunting trip.
Authorities said Skylar Stock, of Queen Creek, was sleeping in a camp tent in the Blue Ridge area when the tree fell.
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office said it received the initial 911 report of the death on Monday at about 10:30 p.m.
Investigators said Stock and a friend were elk hunting and had set up a camp about an eighth of a mile away from Highway 260 and about 20 miles east of Camp Verde.
Officials said the two hunters were sleeping in their tent during a severe weather storm with high winds and gusts. Investigators said they believe the wind caused a Ponderosa Pine that was about 2 feet in diameter and about 70 feet tall to snap about 20 feet from ground level. Detectives who inspected the tree at the point where it broke reported obvious evidence of severe ant infestation.
The top portion of the tree fell on the tent and struck Stock on the head. He died instantly, investigators said.
The victim's friend was not struck by the falling tree and was uninjured, authorities said. He told investigators cut his way out of the tent, retrieved Stock's cell phone and called 911.
A nearby National Weather Station reported wind gusts up to 66 mile per hour during the time when the accident occurred.
Stock served in Tempe as a firefighter.
Sheriff Bill Pribil and the men and women of the Coconino County Sheriff's Office extended sympathies to Stock's family and the men and women of the Tempe Fire Department.
Stock's family issued the following statement:
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 also said they wish to thank everyone who has expressed condolences and would also like to express deep appreciation to the firefighters on Stock's crew and the others at Tempe Fire for their camaraderie and genuine support.
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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