Sam Jackenthal, the 16-year-old champion freestyle skier from Park City, passed away October 1, 2015. Sam suffered a serious head injury at Perisher Ski Resort in Australia last month. He was there training with Team Park City United. Sam’s father, Ron Jackenthal, posted the news about Sam’s passing on Facebook:
“We are heartbroken to share that Sam passed away late last night in Australia with his immediate family at his side. We believe that while his physical body is no longer with us, his light and spirit will continue to shine bright and bring happiness to us all, just as he always has. It is our hope, that his incredible drive, compassion and passion for life can inspire others to live life to the very fullest.
We encourage each of you to carry a little bit of Sam in your heart. Allow the beautiful memory of Sam’s way to remind you to show up in your life, each and every day. To be fully present with those you love and cherish every minute you have together because the universe can turn things upside down without notice.
Sam’s power to positively impact others’ lives and bring our community together has been awe-inspiring and we will never forget all the love, kindness and support we’ve been shown during these 23 surreal days. We love and appreciate you all as did he too. We cannot imagine what life without Sam will be like. We will miss him so much.”
Sam Jackenthal was a student at The Winter Sports School in Park City. He won the Freeskiing Combined Championship at USSA Junior Nationals in 2015. His coach at Team Park City United, Chris “Hatch” Haslock, wrote on the TPCU Facebook page:
“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.”
Haslock also wrote that the Jackenthal family asks for privacy, and there is no public memorial planned at this time.
