Hunter's story

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On August 11th, 2000, Hunter Kelber Fisk came into the world and joined his very elated mom, dad, and four siblings. He provided endless hours of entertainment and laughter to his family, and they were all so proud of him and adored him. Hunter started school and easily made friends, exhibiting leadership skills from a very early age. He was kind, talented, intelligent, generous, and relentless when he wanted something. He was known to set up pop-up “stores” at his house and sell the books and toys that his parents had bought for him back to them. He always thought outside of the box and displayed entrepreneurial tendencies at an impressive age. Hunter was also known for his belly laugh and contagious smile. 

Hunter started sports at the age of three, and by the time he was in elementary school, he had tried many: basketball, baseball, softball, flag football, track, and soccer, to name a few.  Later, lacrosse would be added to the list. Hunter began acting and was a natural in commercials and as a background actor, often featured in various television shows and movies. He was homeschooled from 1st grade through 6th grade and again his last two years of high school. Hunter spent considerable time in the pool, playing with his brother and his mom, as well as going on some incredible field trips and family vacations. He loved going to the beach and digging large holes in the sand with his brother and sister. As he got older, the Wedge quickly became his favorite beach spot, and he enjoyed what he liked to call “extreme swimming” with his buddies. Hunter was an old soul, always anxious to get to the next age or stage of life.

Hunter excelled in school and had a photographic memory that served him very well when he would procrastinate studying for big tests while in high school. He was the bailiff on the mock trial team, and people were astounded by his exceptionally deep voice. He started his first job working at Del Taco when he turned 16 and loved the independence of having his own money; he was quickly promoted to manager for which he was very proud. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and friend, and it was rare that he met someone who did not like him. He didn’t date much in high school and wasn’t in a relationship until his early adult years. 

Hunter graduated from high school and went directly into the military, receiving additional training for special operations. When that didn’t work out, he pivoted and became a personal trainer for a short time before going to Northwest Lineman College and becoming an electrical lineman. Here, he had found his brotherhood, and often told anyone who would listen that he was working in his "dream job", particularly when he started working for Riverside Public Utilities. 

His fellow linemen said that he was a hard worker who came to work early, stayed late and worked more overtime than anyone. He asked great questions, wanted to learn, was respectful, and was eager to grow in the trade. He wanted to make a difference in the world, making it better for others, and this career was a place for him to do exactly that. He was known for regularly saying, “yes, sir,” “copy that,” and “10-4” to his superiors as he received instructions and proceeded to carry them out. His family was told that he made a huge impact in the short time he was with the utility company, and that he always had a grin on his face.

Hunter was extremely kind and soft-hearted, but also mentally strong and socially and emotionally well-balanced with a large circle of friends. He was the type of person who maintained friendships while expecting nothing in return and would give the shirt off his back for his friends and acquaintances. Later on, he was known for his deep voice and strong muscles. People got such a kick out of him, enjoyed being in his company, and often remarked about how witty and hilarious he was.

In the spring of 2020, Hunter began dating a woman and started his first serious romantic relationship. In the beginning, she fit in well and made great efforts to develop various relationships within Hunter’s family circle. She spent a lot of time with the family, initiated game nights, sought to be useful and helpful, and doted on Hunter. Within a few months, however, all of that changed. Hunter stopped communicating and associating with long-time friends and family members. During numerous conversations, Hunter’s loved ones and co-workers cautioned him that this change in his behavior toward the people he loved and to whom he was closest was a red flag, indicating an unhealthy relationship. Hunter didn’t agree. He didn’t listen. He said that he believed he was in control of the situation, and that his romantic relationship would get better. He was optimistic. However, in the week leading up to March 11, 2023 Hunter told friends that he had discovered some painful truths regarding this relationship.

Hunter was on the phone with this woman in the immediate moments leading up to tragically taking his life. The texts and emails he left behind from days and even moments prior to the incident reflect that he acted on an impulse, the result of uncharacteristic despair and sadness. This tragedy was completely outside of Hunter’s real character and his normal life-long behavior in all the rest of his relationships. Nothing in his prior experience had prepared Hunter for the excruciating emotional trauma which led to this tragedy. He had plans to spend time with friends, plans to buy a house, and plans for work and upcoming activities that next week. 

Hunter’s Heart was established in October, 2023 in the hopes of preventing this type of psychologically abusive relationship from going undetected, and to offer support, education, and resources to men and their families. We want to help them understand the anguish and the ways in which they may be affected physically, emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually if such relationships continue. We want to support people who find themselves in a moment of desperation, despair, and darkness. Join us in something meaningful, something that will make a difference, and something that will become part of Hunter’s legacy!