In a tragic turn of events, a man and his two young children were discovered dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide in Surprise, Arizona. The bodies of Brock Mater, 34, his 7-year-old son, and 6-year-old daughter were found on Monday afternoon during a welfare check, according to an announcement made by Surprise police on Tuesday.

The unfortunate incident unfolded when a concerned woman, who is currently going through a divorce with Mater, contacted the authorities after her children's school reported an unexcused absence. The woman explained that her children had been visiting their estranged husband since last Friday.

After failed attempts to reach Mater through multiple phone calls, the woman decided to visit his residence in the Bell and Litchfield roads area. Despite noticing his car parked outside, there was no response when she knocked on the door. Worried about her children's safety, she immediately contacted the police.

Responding officers also faced a similar lack of response at the door. Concerned about the well-being of those inside, they forcibly entered the home to conduct a welfare check. Tragically, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Mater and his two children, all with gunshot wounds. Investigators located a rifle on Mater's lap, suggesting a possible cause of death.

Surprise Police Department expressed their condolences to the victims' family, acknowledging the heartbreaking and distressing nature of the incident. As investigations progressed, it was revealed that Mater had been undergoing mental health treatment recently, shedding some light on what may have contributed to this devastating outcome.

The community of Surprise now grieves the loss of three precious lives, leaving many questioning how such a tragic event could unfold. The police are continuing their investigations to uncover further details surrounding the motive and circumstances leading up to this heartbreaking incident.

The neighbors and friends of the family are left in shock and disbelief, struggling to comprehend the tragic loss. As the community mourns together, support services will be made available to those affected during this challenging period.

This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the crucial need to address mental health concerns and ensure individuals in distress receive the necessary support. The authorities will be working diligently to bring closure to the family and provide the community with answers during this difficult time.