Police identify deceased teen
Published Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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Stumble It!The parents of a boy found dead on Monday remembered him as a fun-loving child who loved to play video games and dreamed of being an airplane mechanic.
Police identified the boy as 13-year-old Aaron Smoke on Tuesday. Authorities received a call about someone lying in the snow about 4 p.m. Monday near the corner of Barnette Street and Garden Way. They arrived to find Smoke dead, apparently of exposure. Local temperatures hovered in the teens on Monday.
“He was a kind, caring boy,” his mother, Irma Brown, said. “He was just awesome.”
Fairbanks Police Lt. Dan Welborn would not comment on whether police suspected foul play in the boy’s death, though he said the body had been sent to the state medical examiner to conduct an autopsy. Results are expected in the next few days.
Brown said she last spoke with her son Saturday night when he told her he was staying at a friend’s house. He was to call her Sunday.
He never called, which she said was unusual, and Monday she looked all over the city but found no trace of him until police contacted her, she said.
In his spare time, Smoke was often found in front of his X-box, playing shooting games such as “Call of Duty” and “Halo.” He often went to a local video game store to play more games, his parents said.
The seventh-grader at Tanana Middle School was particularly fond of science, math and social studies. His father, Marty Smoke, told him stories of his grandfather’s exploits as an airplane pilot.
Aaron dreamed of being a mechanic and working on planes to be flown by his younger brother, who hopes to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. “He was a loving, caring son, brother and cousin to relatives up and down the Yukon River,” his father said.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Brown said she hopes to bury Aaron in her hometown of Noorvik.
Community Discussion
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Ms. Brown, as a parent, as a person who has lost many over time to death, and as a member of a small community, I send my condolences to you regarding the loss of your son.
I hope that some day the pain that comes from this loss subsides, and you're able to see your boy in your memories, hugging him as he smiles in the sunshine.
Take care.
My prayers are with you and your family during your time of sorrow. May God hold your precious son in His loving arms until you are once again united.
It is truly a tragedy to lose one so young. My condolences go out to Aaron's family and to our communities.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! As a mother to a son about that same age that also goes to Tanana, I cried when I heard the news. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve the loss of your beloved son. May God wrap his arms around all of you, and comfort you as you heal.
Sincerely,
A caring neighbor
I have a 13 year old son. My sincere condolences to Aaron's family and friends. You are in my prayers.
This is a terrible heartache to bear. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. May God draw you closer to Him during this time of sorrow.
Parents, hug your child today, and often, and let them know how much you care.
Our deepest condolences are with you and your family and all that have been touch by your beloved son.
I am so sorry for your loss Ms. Brown. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Hi, I'm a friend of Aaron's from school. My name is Jessika and I just want to say I miss him very much. He was very cool, in fact, my friend and I had to be sent home yesterday by the counselors because we wouldn't stop crying. I would like to attend the funeral, if possible.
Erma, Marty and family, we are sorry about your loss. Our deepest condolences are with you. May the the good Lord comfort you. Gerald and Nellie thinking of you. God Bless and Jesus Only
I was Aaron's first grade teacher. I remember him as being such a loving and caring boy. I remember that he would save 'treats' from our class parties for each one in his family. He would wrap something and say, 'This is for my mom, (brother), (sister). He put value is getting his work done and always did his homework. I saw his big heart. He loved everyone and did nothing to hurt anyone. Not a unkind word came out of his mouth. I was crying in my heart all day yesterday after hearing the news.
Irma and Marty, be comforted that you raised a fine boy, who will always have a part of my heart. Thank you for the opportunity to have him in my class everyday that year.
My deepest sympathy for the family of young Aaron Smoke. I truly am sorry for the lost no matter what the circumstances may have been, it doesn’t matter.
I keep thinking about the comment made on Tuesday by the Man who said “he had no sympathy”. I struggled with that for a couple of days. My cousin was murdered a year and a half ago by an 18 year old Caucasian man. I have sympathy for the young man who killed my cousin because he will never know freedom like we do; he will never live a normal life. I have sympathy for his parents who will never get to see their son grow into an adult. I have sympathy for this younger brother and sisters; they will never get to have that relationship that an older sibling can bring to a family.
This is how my mother taught me, this is how my grandparents taught me, and this is how my people have taught me. Treat people the way you would like to be treated. All people deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve. Everyone is created equal in God’s eyes.
Melanie Titus
I agree with full-blooded, People with unrespectful comments should keep their articles out of the comments. We were raised to be respectful to others. Baasee Sonny1
I knew Aaron for the short time he has been with us. I also know his family and I can say, "they are very loving people with large hearts." I am deeply sadden by our lose in losing Aaron. I believe that Aaron would want all of us to remember him as he was and that he is now living with the ALMIGHTY ONE "GOD". and he will be waiting for each and everyone of us with a large smile and huge hugs, when our time comes to meet our maker.
It is sad to hear others are being nasty in a time when we should be more loving towards one another. I am only glad that I didn't hear what others negative people had to say. I will pray for them and hope they will come to peace with themselves and to stop the ugliness.
GOD BLESS THE SMOKE FAMILY AND MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU ALL.
I knew Aaron when he lived at Noorvik. He was my friend. We used to have fun playing xbox with Arlo. I give my best regards to Irma ,Marty,Arlo,Gwen and baby. love,James and family.
oops, i frogot to say may god be with you for this time of sorrow
Hi I just want to say that I knew your son we rode the same bus and walked to it some times and thought he was just the best out-going kid that took life as it came and was wild..! I just wanted to tell you I'm very sorry and I know you cant see death when it comes, but to live with the best memories that you have of him.. and cherish them for ever I wish you the best.
Kelli Scott..
p.s.
If you can please let me know when the fenural is!!
thanks.
To everyone who e-mailed messages for our son Aaron John Smoke and family, We (Marty, Irma, Christopher, Patrick, Arlo, Gwenneth, and Elvina) would like to give you our appreciation for the messages and the notes that were sent to us in our time of sorrow. These messages has helped us through our grieving. To all Aaron's friends we would like to encourage you to take care of each other and talk to each other when you need someone to talk to and encourage your friends to do so also. We are still in state of shock right now and we still need your prayers and support. We are in Noorvik and will remain here for a while, but we will be back to Fairbanks soon. You can write to us at Irma Brown @ General Delivery, Noorvik, Alaska 99763. It would be very nice to here from you all especially for Arlo and Gwenneth who miss there brother so very much. Thank you all once again for all your support, God will bless you all who cared for Aaron and family. To all Aaron, Arlo, and Gwenneth's friends please take care of each other and always remember to say I love you to your grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters etc., Aaron was always telling us I Love You Dad, Mom, Arlo, Gwenneth, and Elvina everyday and sometimes all day long. Once again God Bless and take care. The Brown and Smoke Family.
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