A Ferndale family has been left heartbroken after a tragic domestic dispute claimed the life of their son, a serviceman in the US army.
They are finding solace in the fact that he died doing what he was destined to do: protecting those in need.
Just a week ago, 28-year-old Ferndale native, Chris Hoch, became a victim in a tragic double homicide near Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
He and a fellow, female soldier were attacked by her estranged husband amidst a violent domestic dispute.
But instead of running away, Chris tried to protect his friends and fiancé with the only weapon he could find – a baseball bat.
Chris had proposed to his fiancé, Dominique, just one night before the murder.
It’s a wedding Chris’ father, stepmother and three brothers won’t get to see. They’re choosing to reflect on the soldier’s positive qualities - the way they hope he’ll be remembered.
Chris’ father went on to tell me about the last hug they shared, that even then he felt his son was trying to protect him.
It’s a moment he says will be etched in his memory forever.
