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Lyall Smith Obituary

The Olympia Firefighter Alumni Network is mourning the tragic loss of Lyall Smith, a retired Tumwater Fire Captain and respected figure in the Thurston County fire service community. Lyall passed away early Monday morning, July 14, 2025, in a devastating house fire near Black Lake.

Lyall began his career in fire service in 1979 with the McLane-Black Lake Fire Department. Over the years, he served with unwavering dedication and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Fire Chief of McLane-Black Lake and later retiring as a Captain with Tumwater Fire Department. Known for his leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to community safety, Lyall earned the admiration and respect of colleagues and residents alike.

The fire that claimed his life occurred in his home during the early hours of the morning. Emergency crews responded quickly, but Lyall was found deceased at the scene. His passing has left a profound impact on the fire service family and the greater Olympia area.

Lyall will be remembered not only for his distinguished career but also for his mentorship, friendship, and enduring contributions to public service. He leaves behind a legacy of courage and compassion that will not be forgotten.

Details about memorial services and tributes will be shared by the family and the Olympia Firefighter Alumni Network in the coming days.

Rest in peace, Captain Lyall Smith. Your service and sacrifice will always be honored.

Remembering Lamont Green Sr. (1976–2025)

• Age & Date of Passing: Lamont Green passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 49 X (formerly Twitter)+10Wikipedia+10Instagram+10.

• Miami Roots: Born July 10, 1976, Green attended Miami Southridge High School, where he was a three-time 5A all-state selection and helped lead the Spartans to state titles in 1991 and 1993; he was ranked the top high school football recruit nationally in 1994 Wikipedia+1Miami Herald+1.

• Collegiate Career at Florida State: He redshirted his freshman year, became a key linebacker from 1996 onward, was team captain as a senior, and earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 1998 .

• Professional Journey: Green went undrafted in 1999 but played briefly with the Atlanta Falcons, joined the Carolina Panthers (practice squad), and had a stint with Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe, retiring due to injuries Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11Instagram+11.

• Life After Football: He earned a bachelor’s in Criminology & Criminal Justice (FSU, 2002), a master’s in Education from Nova Southeastern University (2007), and served as a high-school coach and academic counselor—most recently in 2023 as defensive coordinator at Miami Southridge Wikipedia.

Remembering Quiteze Stimpson

• Quiteze, a teenager from Greensboro, was tragically found injured and later pronounced dead at the scene on Chapel Ridge Drive early Sunday morning—his death has been ruled a homicide YouTube+5WFMY News 2+5serenityfhcremations.com+5.

• A funeral service was held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Greensboro serenityfhcremations.com.

🔎 Arrest Made: A Teen in Custody

• On July 17, Greensboro police, with SBI assistance, arrested 17-year-old Phillip Rayshawn Wilkerson, Jr., charging him with first‑degree murder in connection with Quiteze’s death Yahoo+2WXLV+2WXLV+2.

Remembering Linda Jensen
Received the sad news yesterday that Linda Jensen passed away on June 1, 2025. I came across this photo of her with our friends, and it brought back so many memories of her warmth, laughter, and gentle presence.

There’s a beautiful obituary posted by Dilday Mortuary that captures her spirit and the love she shared with those around her. 🙏🏻

She will be missed deeply. Rest in peace, Linda.

In Loving Memory of Vicky Ellen Morgan
March 3, 1952 – July 14, 2025

Vicky Ellen Morgan, 73, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home on July 14, 2025, due to natural causes following a long and courageous battle with illness.

Born on March 3, 1952, Vicky was known for her kind heart, sharp wit, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She touched many lives with her quiet strength, generosity, and warm spirit. A lifelong learner and lover of nature, she found joy in simple pleasures—gardening, reading, and sharing moments with those she held dear.

Vicky is survived by [list surviving loved ones: spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, etc.]. She was preceded in death by [names of loved ones, if applicable].

Her family would like to thank all who supported her during her illness and ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to [name of organization or cause, if desired].

A memorial service celebrating Vicky’s life will be held at [location] on [date and time].

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

With Heavy Hearts
We have received the joint obituary for Bruce and Barbara Turner, a beloved couple whose lives were tragically cut short following a recent car accident. Their loss is deeply felt across the community, and our hearts go out to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them.

Bruce and Barbara shared a lifetime of love, commitment, and kindness, and their memory will remain a lasting light in the lives they touched.

🕊️ May they rest in peace together.

Links to news coverage and the full obituary are available in the comments.

A Community’s Heartbreak in Camden, NY

The tight-knit community of Camden, New York, is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Natasha Spellicy and her young son, Tyler Spellicy, who were taken too soon in a devastating car accident earlier this week. Their sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the area, leaving family, friends, and neighbors in profound sorrow.

🌼 Remembering Natasha

Natasha was more than a devoted mother—she was a pillar of love and selflessness. Known for her courage and unwavering dedication to her children, she filled Darien, aged 10, and Tyler, aged 3, with joy, curiosity, and a sense of security. Her compassion extended beyond her family—she was a trusted friend, a comforting presence, and someone who always put others before herself.

👶 Remembering Tyler

Little Tyler was a beacon of light and laughter. At just 3 years old, he brought boundless energy and wonder to every moment, whether chasing toys, greeting neighbors with a shy grin, or snuggling close to his mom. His playful spirit and sweet heart left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to know him.

🕯️ The Spellicy Family’s Loss

They are mourned deeply by Darien, their devoted son and brother, who has lost both his guiding light and loving companion. They are also survived by Natasha’s parents, siblings, and extended family—all bound together in grief yet united in honoring the legacy of love that Natasha and Tyler shared.

❤️ Tribute & Memorial Details

• Visitation & Funeral Services
  Arrangements are being made through [Camden Funeral Home Name] and will be shared as soon as confirmed. Both Natasha and Tyler will be honored together, reflecting the inseparable bond they shared in life.

• Public Memorial
  A celebration of their lives is being planned at [Local Church or Community Center Name], where neighbors, friends, and community members are welcome to gather, share memories, and support the family.

• In Lieu of Flowers
  In place of floral tributes, the family kindly requests donations be made to [Scholarship Fund, Children’s Charity, or Local Cause], a cause close to Natasha’s heart in support of local children and families.

🌱 Carrying Their Legacy Forward

The Camden community is coming together in moments of sorrow and solidarity. Whether through shared tears, helpful hands, comforting meals, or heartfelt words, their support is a living tribute to the values Natasha embodied and the lives she nurtured. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and maternal devotion remains a guiding light.

Tyler’s spirit—innocent, bright, and full of wonder—reminds us to cherish simple joys and the laughter of a child.

Fatal Car Crash on Johnstown Road – Knox County, OH

• Victim: Thomas Stewart, 85, of Mount Vernon

• Time & Location: Occurred Thursday on Johnstown Road in Knox County

• Incident Details: Stewart was driving northeast when his vehicle crossed over the center line, left the roadway on the left side, and struck a tree 10tv.com+1westernreservenews.com+1.

• Outcome: He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported he was not wearing a seatbelt 10tv.com.

🔍 Investigation & Considerations

• Cause Under Review: Authorities are investigating contributing factors such as whether Stewart experienced a medical emergency, mechanical failures, road conditions, or other elements.

• Safety Reminders: Crashes involving elderly drivers often invite discussions about safer driving conditions, including:

  • Importance of wearing seatbelts

  • Regular vehicle maintenance

  • Possible role of seatbelt use in survival

❤️ Community Support & Next Steps

• Expressions of Sympathy: The Mount Vernon community is no doubt rallying around Stewart’s family during this painful time.

• Funeral Information: Details such as visitation schedules, services, and memorials are typically released by family or funeral homes in the following days. I can help track those once available.

• Ongoing Monitoring: The OSHP and Knox County coroner will release additional information as their investigation and autopsy results are finalized.

Tragic Good Samaritan Incident – Youngtown, AZ

• Victim: Celena Vega, a 29-year-old mother and beloved community member

• Date & Location: Late evening Sunday, near 111th Avenue and Grand Ave/Street in Youngtown, AZ https://www.azfamily.com+11https://www.azfamily.com+11thelegaladvocate.com+11Facebook+8thelegaladvocate.com+8YouTube+8

• Incident Overview:

  1. A woman was struck by a hit-and-run driver and left injured in the roadway.

  2. Celena, hearing the incident outside her home, rushed out to assist—she knew the initial victim.

  3. Tragically, as she helped, Celena was struck by a second vehicle. This driver remained on the scene. thelegaladvocate.com+6https://www.azfamily.com+6ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+6

• Outcome:
  Celena suffered serious injuries, was hospitalized with a brain injury, and sadly died on Tuesday. https://www.azfamily.com+1ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+1

💔 Community Tribute & Legacy

• Vigil Held: Loved ones and neighbors gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate Celena’s compassionate spirit https://www.azfamily.com

• Family Memories: Her sister Vanessa described her as “a free spirit…loved everyone. She didn’t have no enemies.” https://www.azfamily.com

• Mother & Hero: A devoted mother of three, she was preparing for her 30th birthday and her son’s upcoming eighth-grade graduation https://www.azfamily.com

• Organ Donation: Celena’s final act of kindness—her organs are saving the lives of eight people https://www.azfamily.com+8https://www.azfamily.com+8ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+8

🔍 Investigation Status & Safety Concerns

• Drivers Identified:

  • The first driver fled the scene.

  • The driver who struck Celena remained and was not impaired Wikipedia+11ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+11thelegaladvocate.com+11

• Ongoing Inquiry: The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating both crashes. No charges have been announced yet. Wikipedia+7https://www.azfamily.com+7https://www.azfamily.com+7

• Community Concern: Residents noted 111th Avenue is known for speeding; they urge leaders to consider increased safety measures like lower speed limits or speed bumps ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV)+4https://www.azfamily.com+4thelegaladvocate.com+

Late‑Night Fatal Crash – Sumter, S.C.

• Victim: Libby Weston, 58, of Sumter County

• Time & Location: Around 11:15 p.m. Wednesday, near the intersection of Broad Street and Camden Highway

• Incident Details: Libby’s vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a utility pole. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene, as confirmed by Sumter County Coroner Robbie Baker eta.creativecirclecdn.com+2wltx.com+2eta.creativecirclecdn.com+2eta.creativecirclecdn.com+1eta.creativecirclecdn.com+1.

• Investigation Status: Authorities have not yet released information regarding possible contributing factors (such as speed, impairment, or mechanical failure). No additional injuries were reported.

What Happens Next ⚖️

• Coroner Robbie Baker’s office will complete an official autopsy report, which may shed light on the cause of the crash—whether due to health-related issues, external factors, or vehicle concerns.

• The local Sheriff’s Department and S.C. Highway Patrol are likely to continue their investigation, examining evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and surrounding roadway conditions.

• Family members have been notified, and the coroner’s office provides final death confirmation and preliminary findings.

How You Can Help or Stay Informed

• Authorities may appeal to the public for any information, such as dashcam footage or eyewitness accounts from the intersection at the time of the crash.

• To assist, individuals with relevant information can contact the Sumter County Coroner’s Office or local law enforcement.

• I’ll keep monitoring for updates, including autopsy findings, official police statements, or surveillance footage that could clarify what occurred.