By Meg Peters
Review Co-Editor
Over the past week the Lake Orion community has mourned the loss of Staff Sgt. Trevor Blaylock, a native Dragon and one of the 11 servicemen who died in a tragic Black Hawk helicopter crash the evening of March 10.
One close friend, Bryan Desrochers who swam with Blaylock on the Lake Orion varsity swim team, remembered the 29-year-old Marine fondly.
‘Trevor was always smiling. He never lacked in jokes and always made me laugh. He would never turn down anybody that needed help and always put his family and friends first. It was a true pleasure knowing Trevor and knowing of the impact he had on so many lives,? Desrochers said. ‘He always made practice more lively when (Lake Orion varsity swimming coach) Paul Fairman was fired up and he was a great prankster.
‘Marines never die, they just get stationed in heaven to help protect the pearly gates. I hope all his family and all of us friends keep our chins up and smile as he would want us to.?
The Orion community, known for its rallying and support, has done what is always does, remained loyal to the family in need.
‘On behalf of the Lake Orion Police Department, we mourn his loss and express our deepest sympathy to the family. It’s an Orion thing to collectively care and provide support the way we do here,? Police Chief Jerry Narsh said. ‘His service to America and his loss will never be forgotten by this community, and he will forever be apart of our remembrance and respect. Collectively we mourn and together we will reach out to his family and friends to help and support them in any way they need us. Trevor was here for America. We will be here for his family.?
Seven of the servicemen aboard the Black Hawk were based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, including Blaylock. The remaining four served with the Louisiana Army National Guard.
The tragedy is still under investigation, but recent reports have indicated it to be a high impact crash into the waters off the Florida Panhandle. Rescuers located the chopper 25 feet down a couple days later, Officials have said there was heavy fog in the area, indicating it may have been a factor.
Blaylock leaves behind a loving family, several of which attend the Lake Orion United Methodist Church, including parents Jon and Kathie Blaylock, brother, Matt Blaylock, and grandmother Pauline Egner, along with his wife Lisa and two daughters Annabelle and Evelyn. Lisa also was a graduate of Lake Orion High School.
‘We were very sad to hear the news on Trevor Blaylock. He graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2004 and is fondly remembered by teachers and staff throughout the district. Trevor and his family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,? Lake Orion School Superintendent Marion Ginopolis said.
According to Pastor John Ball of the Lake Orion United Methodist Church, the family is not in any place to receive calls or visits.
‘They will let us know when they have come to that place. Until then, your prayers and cards are welcome and would be greatly appreciated,? he said in a Facebook post.
The Orion community is planning a candle lit vigil in honor of Trevor at the Orion Veteran’s Memorial, where a commemorative brick with Trevor’s name and title has already been placed.
‘It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of Staff Sgt. Trevor Blaylock. He is a hero that will not be soon forgotten. His family is in our prayers, and we respect their wishes of giving them space so they can deal with this tragic loss,? Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said.