TRAVERSE CITY -- Larry Nykerk couldn't believe his eyes when he went to check on the two blue spruce trees known as "Tuck's Trees," planted near the Traverse City Central High School tennis courts.
One of the two six-foot trees, planted in 2008 as a memorial to Central High School student Tucker Byl, had been cut down just before Christmas.
Byl, who died in the spring of 2007, was a member of Central's class of 2008.
"I was really disappointed that someone would do that, cut down a tree that was planted as a memorial for Tucker," said Nykerk, coach of the Central High School tennis team.
The trees, along with a memorial plaque, were purchased through the donations of friends and family members to remember Byl, a member of the junior varsity tennis team, avid skier and soccer player.
"Bah humbug to somebody. This is sad because families donated those trees in Tucker's memory. It's pathetic," said Tucker's mom, Mary Byl, noting that several offers have been made to help replace the tree.
"Tucker was really well-liked. He was fun loving and goofy," Byl said.
While no information on who cut the tree has been brought to Nykerk's attention, he is hopeful that someone will come forward.
"Nobody seems to know anything about it, but somebody knows," he said.
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