Body of fallen Utah soldier arrives home

ROY, Utah — The body of a Utah soldier who died on a military base in Washington state returned home Monday night, to an emotional crowd of family, friends and citizens who wanted to honor Spc. Skyler Oliver.

Spc. Oliver died Oct. 17 in a non-training-related incident at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, according to a report from The News Tribune. An Army spokesperson could not provide any other information to Fox 13.

The report states the 24-year old served with the 1-2 Stryker Brigade, 7th Infantry Division.

Spc. Oliver's 14-year old brother McKay Oliver spoke about how his older brother loved beer, bacon and fishing. McKay talked about fun memories of fishing on the river with Skyler.

"I miss my brother a lot. He was a really good guy," McKay said, wiping a tear from under his glasses. "I hate to see him go like this. None of us were expecting it."

McKay described how people say he's a mini version of Skyler, and that McKay acts just like Skyler.

"I feel him right now giving me a hug, from wherever he's at," McKay said, through tears. "I'm just so grateful for everybody who came out today, to say their last goodbye to my brother."

Several groups, including the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of Utah and others gathered to stand in salute with flags during the dignified transfer.

They then loaded onto motorcycles, into cars, trucks and Jeeps outfitted with large American flags, and escorted the hearse from the Salt Lake City International Airport to the mortuary in Roy, where Oliver is from.

Spc. Oliver leaves behind a wife, Courtney, and two young boys.

In a post on the GoFundMe page for the family, Courtney said, “He was always smiling, was a nerd for fishing and loved it so much; he loved his boys, brothers and sisters and was loved by so many!”