With profound sadness, AZDPS announces the loss of Pilot Robert B. Skankey and State Trooper/Para...
Watch the Original
Engagement Metrics
About the Creator
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is the official state agency responsible for public safety, law enforcement, and emergency response in Arizona. Their Twitter content is formal, factual, and focused on official announcements, operations, and tributes, delivered with solemn professionalism. As a government entity, their information is highly credible and serves as the primary source for DPS-related news.
What's This About?
This post announces the tragic deaths of AZDPS Pilot Robert B. Skankey and State Trooper/Paramedic Hunter R. Bennett, killed on February 4, 2026, when their helicopter Ranger 56 crashed while providing air support during an active shooter incident in Flagstaff stemming from a domestic violence call.[1][4][5] The suspect, Terrell Storey, fired at officers from rooftops for nearly two hours before being apprehended with non-life-threatening injuries; no ground officers were hurt.[3][5] Key themes include sacrifice in the line of duty, community mourning, and tributes to the heroes' service, with processions held and flags at half-staff ordered by Governor Katie Hobbs.[1][4]
🔥Why It's Trending
The post is trending due to the recent timing—just six days after the February 4 crash on February 10, 2026—amid widespread mourning, processions, and media coverage of these fallen heroes.[1][6] Public interest peaks from tributes by law enforcement, veterans, and locals, amplified by the dramatic context of an active shooter response gone wrong.[2][5] Relevance stems from honoring first responders' sacrifices, resonating nationally with ongoing discussions on police aviation risks.
💡Fun Facts
- 1Robert Skankey was a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who flew over 5,100 hours and served as a Presidential Support Pilot.[4][5]
- 2Hunter Bennett, aged 28, married his high school sweetheart Breanna just four months prior in Hawaii on October 21, 2024.[1][4]
- 3Skankey earned a Master's in Administration from Northern Arizona University in 2016 and graduated from Brigham Young University.[4]
- 4The helicopter Bell 407 had passed inspection on January 29, 2026, and the crash cause is under NTSB and FAA investigation.[3][5]
- 5Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags at half-staff statewide from February 7 to 8 in their honor.[1]
📚Read More
Officials identify Arizona DPS crew members killed in Flagstaff helicopter crash
Authorities have identified the two people who died in a DPS helicopter crash during an active gun battle in Flagstaff on Wednesday.
DPS identifies pilot, trooper killed in Flagstaff helicopter crash
DPS crew members Robert Skankey and Hunter Bennett were killed in a helicopter crash while providing tactical support during an officer-involved shooting in Flagstaff.
AZDPS Identifies Two Personnel Killed in Flagstaff Helicopter Crash | Department of Public Safety
It is with profound sadness that the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) announces the loss of two members of our Aviation Bureau who were killed in the line of duty earlier this week. On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at approximately 10:17 p.m., an AZDPS Bell 407 helicopter, Ranger 56, crashed while responding to an active shooter incident at the request of the Flagstaff Police Department. Both crew members on board were fatally injured. After notification of next of kin, AZDPS is releasing the names of the fallen:
https://www.ksat.com/news/national/2026/02/06/trooper-and-pilot-mourned-after-they-were-killed-in-arizona-law-enforcement-helicopter-crash/
https://papba.org/2026/02/in-remembrance-arizona-department-of-public-safety-trooper-hunter-bennett-and-pilot-robert-skankey/
← Swipe to see more →
More Trending on Twitter
The moment that Makai Lemon found out the Eagles were trading up to get him at No. 20 while he wa...
The moment that Makai Lemon found out the Eagles were trading up to get him at No. 20 while he was the on the phone with the Steelers, who were planning to take him at No. 21. https://t.co/Iqv7wfzbtu
by Adam Schefter
New music out tonight: • Kehlani — Kehlani 💿 • Demi Lovato — It’s Not That Deep (Unless You Wan...
New music out tonight: • Kehlani — Kehlani 💿 • Demi Lovato — It’s Not That Deep (Unless You Want It To Be) Deluxe 💿 • Conan Gray — Wishbone (Deluxe) 💿 • Billie Eilish — INTRO (HIT ME HARD AND SOFT TOUR) 🎵 • LE SSERAFIM — CELEBRATION 🎵 • Lucy Dacus — Planting Tomatoes 🎵 • Latto & GloRilla — GOMF 🎵 • Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen — I Can’t Love You Anymore 🎵 • Niall Horan — Little More Time 🎵 • Noah Kahan — The Great Divide 💿 • Meghan Trainor — Toy With Me 💿 • Ebony Riley — Beautiful Tragedy 💿 • YOASOBI — E-SIDE 4 (EP) 💿 • mgk & Fred Durst — FIX UR FACE (out) 🎵 • Foo Fighters — Your Favorite Toy 🎵 • Yung Lean — STORM PT. I & PT. II 🎵 • The Kid Laroi — Before I Forget (Deluxe) 💿 • Jason Aldean — Songs About Us 💿 • Oliver Tree — Love You Madly Hate You Badly 💿
by Pop Base
Artists featured on Kehlani’s new self-titled album: • Lil Wayne • T-Pain • Cardi B • Brandy • B...
Artists featured on Kehlani’s new self-titled album: • Lil Wayne • T-Pain • Cardi B • Brandy • Big Sean • Usher • Missy Elliott • Lil Jon • Clipse • Leon Thomas https://t.co/370Hna2ULb
by Pop Crave