Car accident claims life of CFB Comox Firefighter
From cheknews.ca
Comox military and firefighter communities are in shock and grief, in the wake of a tragic accident that claimed one of their own Saturday.
At just 29 years old, Cpl. Christopher Stacey had already served our country in Afghanistan, become a loving father, and was a popular member of 19 Wing’s firefighting force, when an accident just moments from the base claimed his life.
A memorial was growing Sunday beside a scarred tree on Little River Road. Stacey’s Acura struck the tree after failing to negotiate a sharp curve, killing him instantly.
“It’s a real loss to us all,” said Blayne Buckler 19 Wing Deputy Fire Chief.
Stacey’s colleagues called him one of their finest.
“His goal was to go overseas and help as many people as he could. And it wasn’t just a cliche Chris really did help everyone that he could,” said Buckler. “Firefighters some times spend more time at the hall than they do with their own families so it’s just like losing a family member. So they’re having a hard time reconciling what happened and moving forward.” And Comox firefighters who knew him well responded to the crash scene only to find out it was Stacey, said he always had their backs.
“He was a good firefighter. A nice young man and I understand an amazing father, he has a young daughter which is another tough part of this,” said Comox Fire Asst. Chief Jim Lariviere.
RCMP are investigating speed as a factor in the crash, but aren’t certain what happened. Funeral arrangements for Cpl. Stacey are still being finalized at 19 Wing Comox as the community and his family come to grips with his loss.
“He will be greatly missed,” said Buckler.