Stephen Estes, Arizona State University swimming alumnus was one of two people who were tragically killed when an experimental helicopter crashed outside of Phoenix, Arizona, April 16th.
Estes graduated from ASU with a masters degree in aerospace engineering and had been an engineer with Van Horn Aviation for five years. He was instrumental in the design and analysis of rotor blades. The other person who perished was an experienced experimental test pilot named Rucie Moore. They were the only two on board the helicopter when it went down after 7 in the morning.
Stephen Estes was a standout high school swimmer in the state of Arizona and competed for ASU as a walk-on. He won the Arizona 5A state high school championship in the 100 yard breaststroke in 2008. After his first year as a walk-on student-athlete at Arizona State in 2009, his best time in the 100 meter breaststroke was 1:09.32, about five seconds slower than the USA Olympic Trials qualifying time. Estes would drop four seconds in the long course 100 breast in 2010, down to 1:05.25. The following year, at the summer nationals, his punched his ticket to the Trials with a 1:04.45.
He was featured in the February 2013 issue of Swimming World Magazine for his incredible comeback from a biking accident that almost took his life. Our prayers and thoughts go out the Estes family is this time of mourning. To read the Swimming World article Click Here
So sad.
Truly a great man. He will be missed.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. May he RIP. Thoughts and prayers for his families and friends?
He lived a lifetime of experiences and gave 110% in all endevours. I did not know this man however, I do know his family and have read about his life and achievements. It is sad when such earthly angels are called to go home…sad for the family left behind. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Thank you Brent for posting this. Stephen was a awesome person.
Prayers of comfort to family and friends
RIP
So sad
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Very tragic. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
My condolences to all who knew and loved this fine young man.
Mein herzliches Beileid an die Angehörigen ruhe in Frieden Stephen
Prayers, and Condolences to his friends, and family.
Condolences to his family and friends
Heartbreaking, prayers for his family, friends and colleagues.
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Omg that’s awful God Bless him and his family
OMG
Prayer
I know what it’s like to lose a team mate. Sending so much love to his family and team.
So sad. ?
Prayers for the family he leaves behind
So Sorry for his family
So sad ?
So sad ! Prayers
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Absolutely a great man, great brother, Great son. He will surely be missed!!!
Kevin Poelman
So sad. Sending prayers.
So tragic! Prayers going out to his family.???
Such a great loss.
My condolences to his family & friends. Very sad. ?
Very sorry to hear this. My sympathy to your daughter.
Prayers and Prayers to the family. Rest in peace. So very sad.???
So sorry prayers for his family!!
So sad! Prayers!
RIP
Deepest sympathy for your loss. May God grant you peace?????
I send my love and prayers Stephen’s family. Stephen was a smart, loving, caring person who lived life in a special way. He will be missed. Praise God he is with Jesus.