Monday,  the community is mourning the death of 32-year-old Lt. Christopher Carey Short. Short was flying a training mission when he crashed near his base in New Mexico. 

The memories of Lt. Christopher Short will live on inside the walls of Lima Christian School. 

Valerie Coykendall or as students called her “Coach Val” teared up when she reminisced about one of her star students. 

Short was on the ski team and was valedictorian of the class of 2004. Coykendall says even with his accomplishments he remained humble.

“Chris was more of a conservative, reserved kind of guy. Not all about the flash. Not a ‘look at me.’ He was just going to get things done,” said Coykendall. 

Short joined he Navy ROTC in 2004. After 14 years of service, his life to an end during a training exercise. Coykendall tells News 8, Short’s graduation speech still resonates with the Lima Community. 

“Live a life of sacrifice. Live for those around you for your country and for your God,” said Coykendall. 

Short was recently married in October. His family is currently making funeral arrangements.