Crystal Lynn Ford, a 37-year-old White female, was a mother of three described by loved ones as a “dynamic soul” who was “so full of spice.” Born in Kalispell, Montana, on November 6, 1984, she grew up near Columbia Falls and graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 2003. From infancy, Crystal had a deep love for animals, especially horses.
Her first ride on horseback was at just six weeks old, a passion that grew as she joined the Golden Spurs 4-H Club and continued throughout her life. At the time of her death, she was an employee at Town Pump, where she was dearly loved by her coworkers and customers.
On October 12, 2022, Crystal’s life was tragically cut short in a shooting incident in Billings, Montana. Authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding her death to determine the cause.
The investigation later concluded that the shooting was accidental. Following this determination, authorities arrested Charles Wesley Decock, a 32-year-old man from the nearby community of Lockwood. He was charged with negligent homicide, which suggests that while the shooting was not considered intentional, it was allegedly the result of negligent actions.
Crystal was remembered for her “big as life” heart and her caring nature. She is survived by her three children, her parents, three brothers, a foster sister, and numerous extended family members and friends. As of the news reports in October 2022, the case against Charles Wesley Decock was proceeding through the court system.
