Sam Jackenthal

Some of you may have heard about the great tragedy that happened a few weeks ago in Australia, where Sam overshot a jump and was immediately in a coma.

Sam had started to breathe on his own, and they took the ventilation out, and he was responding to stimuli.

However, last night, Sam passed away at 16. This is a horrible devastation to the entire Park City and free skiing community.

I hope that all you NS'ers will carry on his legacy and send his family and friends some good vibes, and there's also a gofundme up for donations to his family. The link is gofundme.com/samjackenthal.

Sharing a post from Team Park City United:

I write to let this wonderful community know that on October 1st, 2015 our beloved athlete and friend, Sam Jackenthal left the world peacefully surrounded by his loving and devoted family. The Jackenthal family asks that we respect their privacy as they spend time with family and their closest friends. There is no public memorial planned at this time.

Sam brought light and love to everyone who knew him -- he made their lives better than before they met. I am comforted knowing that Sam’s life was full of everything he loved. He lived to the fullest with passion and enthusiasm -- an unabashed love for life. It was said, “Sam showed us the best qualities within each of us.” “In 16 years, Sam figured out how to live life better than most people three times his age.” We are fortunate to have been in his presence and have the extreme privilege of knowing and loving such a unique and extraordinary individual. He truly lived a lifetime in 16 years.

Sam won the Freeskiing Combined Championship at USSA Junior Nationals in 2015 (which includes the Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Big Air events). More importantly, Sam was a treasured member of the Team Park City United family, as one who always brought the highest level of competition, character, humor and camaraderie with him to the hill.

As his longtime coach I remember Sam was one of the most persistent and tenacious human beings I knew and I mean that in the best possible way. Conquering the next level, or next big challenge, was always Sam’s goal. At six years old Sam would beg, “Can I ski the big hill? When can I ski the big hill?” and I would respond, “Not yet, Sam.” Sam would work harder and then try again, “Now, now can I ski the big hill?” and still, two years later, I would tell him “Not yet, Sam.” Finally, the persistence and hard work paid off and the response became, “Yes, Sam, it’s a perfect night for you to ski the big hill.” Sam replied, “Really?” Without a second thought or any hesitation he moved with purpose over to hit the big hill.

Sam was meant to fly.

Chris “Hatch” Haslock
Team Park City United