Sergeant Christopher David Ward, 36, of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office was shot and killed on April 28, 2021 during a welfare check at a residence on Hardaman Circle in Boone, North Carolina. He was critically injured at the scene and later died at a hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee. K-9 Deputy Logan Fox, 25, also died during the incident after becoming trapped inside the house during a 13-hour standoff.

The welfare check was prompted when the homeowner’s employer reported that the homeowner, George Ligon, had failed to report to work and was not answering calls. Upon entry, Ward and Logan were met with gunfire. Authorities identified Isaac Alton Barnes as the shooter; Barnes also killed George Ligon and Michelle Ligon during the incident. Services for Ward and Logan were held at the ASU Holmes Convocation Center and Green Valley Baptist Church.

Ward is remembered as a husband and father, survived by his wife Candice Hamby Ward and two daughters, Molly and Katie, and as an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Does anyone have information about the events leading up to the welfare check or knew the family and can add context?