Author: Charlie Sam

KANSAS — The community is mourning the sudden loss of 2nd Lt. Chad Blow, a dedicated member of the U.S. military and a deeply loved father and husband, who passed away unexpectedly from a medical emergency on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Lt. Blow’s passing has left a profound void in the lives of his family, fellow service members, and all who had the honor of knowing him. Known for his quiet strength, steady leadership, and unwavering love for his children, Chad was a man who wore many hats with humility and grace.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Anne Blow, and was the former husband of Capt. Amy Blow of the Kansas Air National Guard. Chad and Amy shared three daughters, whom he loved beyond measure and spoke of with pride and devotion at every opportunity.

Colleagues recall Chad as a natural leader — calm under pressure, always willing to lend a hand, and deeply committed to serving his country. Friends remember him as a man of great integrity and humor, with a deep sense of purpose rooted in faith, family, and honor.

His death comes as a devastating blow not just to those closest to him, but to the broader military family and Kansas community. Tributes have poured in across social media and from fellow service members, describing him as a “true patriot,” a “wonderful father,” and “the kind of person who left everything better than he found it.”

“Chad was the heart of our family,” said his wife Lisa in a statement. “He was strong, kind, and always put others before himself. He lived his life in service to his country, to his children, and to the people he loved.”

A memorial service honoring Lt. Blow’s life and legacy will be held in the coming days, with details to be announced by the family. Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a veteran’s support organization or a charity supporting children of fallen service members.

Lt. Chad Blow’s life was a testament to duty, love, and sacrifice. Though his time was cut tragically short, his legacy will live on in the lives of his daughters, the memories he created, and the countless people he touched along the way. funeral arrangements and memorial will be released soon.

Scottsdale Fire – Crews battle intense blaze as towering flames consume luxury residence

PARADISE VALLEY, AZ — A massive fire tore through a sprawling multi-million dollar residence in Paradise Valley on Thursday evening, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and drawing a large emergency response from multiple fire agencies.

The blaze broke out shortly after 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Lincoln Drive. Firefighters arrived on scene to find the luxury home fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading rapidly through the structure.

Aerial footage captured by Arizona’s Family News Chopper showed towering flames consuming the residence, with the intense heat and thick smoke visible from miles away. Fire crews worked from multiple angles to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes in the affluent neighborhood.

As of Thursday night, there were no immediate reports of injuries, but officials have not confirmed whether anyone was inside the home when the fire began. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Paradise Valley Police assisted in evacuating nearby residents as a precaution while firefighters fought to bring the blaze under control. Witnesses in the area described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, with the upscale property quickly reduced to a smoldering shell.

“This is one of the worst fires we’ve seen in recent memory in this area,” said one emergency responder at the scene. “The intensity of the flames and the size of the structure made this a very difficult fire to fight.”

The destroyed home is estimated to be worth several million dollars, and investigators are expected to spend several days examining the scene to determine the cause and assess the damage.

This is a developing story. More updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.