Family, friends remember Colorado Springs man killed in Kenya helicopter crash

We’re hearing from more friends and family members of Kyle Forti, the Colorado Springs man who was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Kenya.

What should have been a trip of a lifetime ended in tragedy, but the people who knew him say he wouldn’t want his death to be his lasting legacy.

A disaster seemingly half a world away was felt in Colorado by those who knew Forti.

“[He’s a] dear friend whose relentless energy to find good people to get involved in public service was infections, it really was,” said state Senator Owen Hill, who is also a family friend.

An adventurous trip to Kenya ended in a fatal helicopter crash.

His friend, Kyle Fisk, describes him as a well-known political consultant who at just 29 years old already had a successful career.

“In a political climate today that is just increasingly acrimonious and partisan, you watched this guy, who both friend and foe say incredible things about and had so much respect for his integrity and commitment to his principles,” he said.

He was also a driving force behind a campaign to legalize recreational marijuana inside Pueblo city limits.

It was his determination that brought Colorado lawmakers together for a moment of silence at the state capitol.

“I didn’t know what to do with it, I was driving to Denver. I canceled all my meetings. I missed yesterday. There is just no way you could come into this place with that kind of loss,” said Hill.

But friends say the most important part of his life was the family he had at home.

“Kyle was a devoted husband and father. He loved his family more than anything else in,” Fisk said.

His pregnant wife, Hope, shared just how grateful she is to have had him in her life for the past 12 years.

“It was beautiful. It was beautiful to live with him. We truly woke up every day and said I can’t believe I get to do this with you,” she said.

An everlasting bond hope plans to share with their son, Max, and their unborn child.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Colorado College Shove Memorial Chapel.