Passages: ASU Swimming Alumnus Stephen Estes Dies In Helicopter Crash

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

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Ann Belew O'Brien

5 years ago

So sad.

Ryan Key

5 years ago

Reply to Ann Belew O'Brien

Truly a great man. He will be missed.

Patricia Thomas

5 years ago

Reply to Ryan Key

I’m so very sorry for your loss. May he RIP. Thoughts and prayers for his families and friends?

jean dorame

5 years ago

Reply to Ann Belew O'Brien

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.

Rob Richardson

5 years ago

Thank you Brent for posting this. Stephen was a awesome person.

Carol Allen

5 years ago

Prayers of comfort to family and friends

Charlotte Renner Briggs

5 years ago

RIP

Lyn Ward

5 years ago

So sad

Therese McAdams

5 years ago

????????

Susan Curnutte

5 years ago

Very tragic. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Charlene Tallen

5 years ago

My condolences to all who knew and loved this fine young man.

Esra Koni

5 years ago

Mein herzliches Beileid an die Angehörigen ruhe in Frieden Stephen

Monica Epling

5 years ago

Prayers, and Condolences to his friends, and family.

Angie Ward

5 years ago

Condolences to his family and friends

Linda Parker

5 years ago

Heartbreaking, prayers for his family, friends and colleagues.

Yess Navas

5 years ago

Thomas A. Small

5 years ago

Omg that’s awful God Bless him and his family

Christine Chan

5 years ago

OMG

Coral Whisenand

5 years ago

Prayer

Valerie Pagett

5 years ago

I know what it’s like to lose a team mate. Sending so much love to his family and team.

Dilek Newlon

5 years ago

So sad. ?

Judy Sandlin

5 years ago

Prayers for the family he leaves behind

Debbie Heinbach Chandler

5 years ago

So Sorry for his family

Mary Menzel

5 years ago

So sad ?

Carolyn Lower Kavetsky

5 years ago

So sad ! Prayers

Pam Moews Gingrich

5 years ago

Anonymous

5 years ago

Absolutely a great man, great brother, Great son. He will surely be missed!!!

Ninda Alfeea

5 years ago

Kevin Poelman

Michelle Soto

5 years ago

So sad. Sending prayers.

Patti Stubblefield

5 years ago

So tragic! Prayers going out to his family.???

Earline New Gualdoni

5 years ago

Such a great loss.

Shannon Clarke

5 years ago

My condolences to his family & friends. Very sad. ?

Candace Coggins

5 years ago

Very sorry to hear this. My sympathy to your daughter.

Melanie Loo

5 years ago

Prayers and Prayers to the family. Rest in peace. So very sad.???

Rose Mason

5 years ago

So sorry prayers for his family!!

Dee Dee Phillips

5 years ago

So sad! Prayers!

Karen Lynn Freeman

5 years ago

RIP

Anonymous

4 years ago

Deepest sympathy for your loss. May God grant you peace?????

Patrice

4 years ago

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.