11/26/2009 11:00:00 AM UPDATE: YCSO confirms Crown King victims from Phoenix
The Daily Courier
UPDATE, 11:45 a.m.:
A father and son were among the four victims in Wednesday's car crash near Crown King, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office confirmed Thursday morning.
The victims were identified as Kevin Waycaster, 47, and son Micah, 16, both of Glendale; Garry Schneider, 67, of Phoenix; and Robert "Bob" Fisher, in his 70's (exact age pending), of Phoenix.
According to reports, the victims were from various church groups participating in a men's retreat in the area. The accident occurred when their sports utility vehicle plunged 100 feet off Cow Creek Road.
Investigators are still waiting for confirmation as to the identity of each victim's church affiliation.
YCSO personnel on scene report that the victim's families have overwhelming support from the various church groups who participated in this event. The investigation and recovery operation will continue throughout the day.
INITIAL REPORT:
The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office confirmed Wednesday night that four men died after their sports utility vehicle plunged 100 feet off of Cow Creek Road near Crown King that afternoon.
Authorities are not releasing the victims' names until they can notify relatives. According to a sheriff's office report, the men were members of a church group.
The YCSO said first reports came in around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday that the vehicle had fallen about 100 feet before coming to rest.
Ground crews were not immediately able to reach the vehicle. A DPS Ranger Helicopter was dispatched and rescue personnel are currently trying to reach the remote accident scene.
Radio and cell phone communication in the area is very poor and has caused delays with information updates, according to the sheriff's office.
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
The Rock
After reading the information, going to the crash site and having been in a place of both not knowing God and now being in his presence, I canassure you of several things. Those who died died quickly without pain. God was is not responsible for their deaths. God allows things to happen for the purpose of reaching out to people and for people to question God as even our question acknowledge his existance. Its only at our lowerest points do we reach out to him. And in the faithin God of others, it allows us wonder and ask why are you so Faithful. These were men of God who died that day and through him they now live forever.
Posted: Thursday, December 03, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
GOD PROMISES US IN SCRIPTURE "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU"AND GOD IS FAITHFUL TO KEEP THAT PROMISE SO YOU MUST KNOW THAT GOD WAS WITH ALL FOUR OF THE MEN THAT LOST THEIR LIVES THAT DAY I DID NOT KNOW 3 OF THE MEN BUT I DID KNOW ONE AND HE IS THE ONE THAT TAUGHT ME ABOUT GOD AND I AM SURE THEY ARE ALL THERE IN HEAVEN WITH THE FATHER TODAY
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
This is not about "god", this about four people who died. Both sides need to get off the soap box and come back to the reality. This accident was not written in a book or in ones imagination, even though some wish it was. My thoughts go to the Families of all four men and thank you to the volunteers for there time looking for and bringing them back to their families.
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
Article comment by:
Thank God I'm NOT an atheist
Grundle: You're right, not all atheists are jerks. Misguided, maybe, but not jerks. "TGIA Atheist" however, does fit the "jerk" bill to a tee. He/She did make a really rotten comment to some now grieving families and friends. JGar and Faithful, I agree with you, also, about God's comfort and God's plan. But I do have to ask Grundle this: Why are YOU reading this publication you refer to as "podunk?"
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
Article comment by:
Grundlecat
"THANK GOD...": we atheists who are not jerks would appreciate your keeping your nasty sarcastic comments to yourself. That was a really rotten thing to say. I hope none of the family members in Phoenix reads this podunk publication. Do have a nice weekend with your family now.
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
Article comment by:
Faithful Believer
dear atheist: such silly questions! God was right there with them telling them "Be not afraid!" And the Almighty DID save them: 2,000 years ago He died on the cross and Saved their souls. THAT these men died is the ultimate act of Faith, for we believe (hard as it may be at times) that it is part of the Lord's Plan which He will share with us one day. For now, while we are sad that these men are no longer among us, we Rejoice that they sit with the Lord, the Savior. It is not about saving the body, it is about something so much deeper than that. And we will pray for you whether you believe or not.
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
Article comment by:
JGar
This is a tragic loss. Kevin was a role model as a professional and a father for anyone that knew him. It was inspiring to see him with the young men at the school. You could see that he was a great influence in their lives.
This is going to be a tremendous learning experience for all of the children at the school. I am thankful that my daughter will experience how a Christian community views, mourns, remembers and ministers life and death in such a rare environment.
To the previous poster. I agree that it is confusing and frustrating. There is no guarantee in life that we won't die or suffer loss. As a matter of fact, we are guaranteed both. What we do have as Christians is the hope and comfort that comes from knowing that they have an eternal home and that their families will be rejoined in eternity someday. I promise you that God was there with them. And I know that God will be with the children, spouses, siblings, students and extended church family to give them the peace and comfort that defies reason.
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
Article comment by:
Thank God I'm an Atheist
Condolences go out to the families. That said, I can't help but wonder where their "god' was as they were plunging down the cliff. What good does all that worshipping do if the alleged "allmighty" isn't around when you need him??
Posted: Friday, November 27, 2009
Article comment by:
Thankful in Yavapai
A big thank you to the 4x4 Search & Rescue Unit VOLUNTEERS who gave up their Thanksgiving with family to assist in this recovery. It is good to know our community has such selfless people to help when they are needed. Condolences to the families.
Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2009
Article comment by:
I can relate
What a terrible loss at such a family oriented time of year. My condolences are with the families.
