Hunter Bennett dies in fatal Flagstaff, Arizona helicopter crash

Hunter Bennett dies in fatal Flagstaff, Arizona helicopter crash

Fatal Flagstaff, Arizona helicopter crash death of Hunter Bennett – Obituary

Hunter Bennett was among two Arizona Department of Public Safety members who lost their lives after a DPS helicopter went down near Flagstaff on Wednesday night. The aircraft had been assisting local law enforcement during an active shooter response when the crash occurred.

Authorities said Flagstaff police officers had been involved in multiple gun-related confrontations for nearly two hours before a suspect was eventually taken into custody. During the unfolding situation, the DPS helicopter was deployed to support officers on the ground. Sometime during the operation, the aircraft crashed for reasons that are still unclear.

Hunter Bennett, a trooper-paramedic, joined the Arizona Department of Public Safety in 2022 after graduating from Arizona State University. He was described by colleagues as dedicated to public service and deeply committed to his work. Bennett was recently married, having wed his high school sweetheart in 2024.

Also killed in the crash was the helicopter’s pilot, Robert Skankey, who had recently been promoted to aviation supervisor. Skankey was a former U.S. Marine Corps member and is survived by his wife and four children.

In the days following the tragedy, community members in Flagstaff created a memorial outside the local DPS district office to honor both men. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on February 7 and 8 in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

DPS Director Jeffrey Glover stated that the helicopter did not fire any shots during the incident and had successfully passed a maintenance inspection just days before the crash. Investigators from multiple agencies are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident as they work to determine the cause.