Freeskiing World Mourns Loss of Skier

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard

October, 3 2015

PARK CITY, UT (Oct. 3, 2015) – U.S. Freeskiing, and the entire U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association family, joined the Park City community in mourning the passing of Sam Jackenthal, a wonderful young man and a remarkable athlete. The 16-year-old freeskiing champion passed away this week from injuries suffered in a training accident in Australia several weeks ago, with his family at his side.

A Park City native, Jackenthal grew up on the mountain and was passionate about freeskiing. Last winter, skiing for Team Park City United, he won the combined title (slopestyle, halfpipe, big air) at the USSA Junior Nationals. His coach Chris ‘Hatch’ Haslock remembered him as ‘a treasured member of the Team Park City United Family and one who always brought the highest level of competition, character, humor and camaraderie with him to the hill.

“As our community and his family have kept vigil these past few weeks, we’ve all learned so much about Sam as a remarkable person who brought joy to those around him and an athlete who was achieving his dream,” said USSA President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “Our hearts go out to the Jackenthals, as well as their extended family with Team Park City United.”

Plans have not yet been established for any memorial services.

Fore more information, see Team Park City United's Facebook post.

Sam's dad, Ron Jackenthal, posted the news on his Facebook.

We are heartbroken to share that Sam passed away late last night in Australia with his immediate family at his side. We...
Posted by Ron Jackenthal on Friday, October 2, 2015

The ski community remembers Sam.

Very sad to hear that Sam Jackenthal has passed away after he took a crash training over in Australia. Devastating to...
Posted by Finn Bilous on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Sam Jackenthal it was a truly a privilege to have met you & ski with you. A great young man & naturally gifted athlete. #AlwaysRememberSam
Posted by James Machon on Friday, October 2, 2015

Our loss to the Bulldogs tonight pales in comparison to the news we received during the game of the loss of one our...
Posted by Park City Miners Football on Friday, October 2, 2015

So unfortunate to hear that a good friend has passed away. My heart goes out to the Jackenthal family. Sam was one of the most genuine people I've ever met in my life. Love you buddy rest in paradise.
Posted by Chandler Hunt on Friday, October 2, 2015

I just found out some really sad news. My friend and little bro Sam Jackenthal passed away last night. I'm so extremely...
Posted by Mike Dougherty on Friday, October 2, 2015

R.I.P big man you will never be forgotten. You were the kindest, and funniest kid I knew. I will always remember the time you singed your hair above the heater in seven springs. Keep slaying up there for us. #smilesforsam
A photo posted by Birk irving (@birkirving) on

No words could ever describe Sam. He was the nicest, brightest, and most loving kid one could ever ask for. Every second I got to spend with him was a true blessing and there never was a moment when I didn't love to hang out with him. You're energy changed my life and the way I view things forever and you will never ever ever be forgotten by me or anyone that ever met you. Keep sending it up there for us and remember to keep smiling and stay crazy. You will always be in our hearts wherever we may go. Ski In Peace Sammy J you are a true legend! I love you. #legendsneverdie #myherosam #lightforsam #sip #alwaysinmyheart
A photo posted by Alex Hall (@alexhallskiing) on

RIP Sam Jackenthal. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and Team Park City United.
— Nessa Dziemian (@NessaDziemian) October 3, 2015

Young, talented, and full of heart. Your positivity will live on in our memories and energy forever. You made my day better every time you gave me a high five. I love you buddy and I'm gonna miss you and your smile and incredible energy, I will always think of you until we meet again and get to high five again! Love you Sam! Rest in peace and eternal love #smileforsam
A photo posted by Alex Schlopy (@aschlopy) on
Oct 2, 2015 at 10:19pm PDT

16yo freeskiing phenom Sam Jackenthal has died from head injury sustained in training in Australia last month. http://t.co/N2ARn52LfU
— Jason Blevins (@jasonblevins) October 4, 2015

Sam you where always a strong part of the "young boys crew" I loved getting to ski and hang out with in Park City. No matter the age, boy or girl, or even ability you just loved every one who shared your passions and truly made every one feel like a friend. I am going to miss all the new smiles you would have brought but we can remember you with all the smiles you have already made. I along with an overwhelming amount of people who you touched will never forever you. I hope you are having fun flying up there some place #lightforsam
A photo posted by Jeanee Crane-Mauzy (@tinymocrazy) on
Oct 3, 2015 at 1:01pm PDT

Say to say goodbye to two skiers in one week. @samjackenthal I'm so honored to have gotten close to you over the past few years #smileforsam #rip
A photo posted by @willieborm on
Oct 3, 2015 at 5:28pm PDT

SIP Sam. Another young soul gone way too soon.
Posted by Newschoolers.com on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Although we never new his smile or heard his laugh, our hearts go out to his family and friends. Sam Jackenthal's spirit...
Posted by SOUL POLES on Sunday, October 4, 2015

"It is our hope, that his incredible drive, compassion and passion for life can inspire others to live life to the very...
Posted by KSL 5 TV on Saturday, October 3, 2015

It has been a sad few days in the action sports world. Legendary base jumpers and so much more, Erik Roner and Johnny...
Posted by Sage Kotsenburg on Saturday, October 3, 2015

SIP Sam Jackenthal. Known for his inspiring abilities and outgoing character, he was living out his dreams.
Posted by Beardowear on Sunday, October 4, 2015

S.I.P. Sam Jackenthal. I did not know you all that well, but during this difficult time I have learned that you were a...
Posted by McRae Williams on Saturday, October 3, 2015

A few weeks ago two of my friends Sam Jackenthal and @dirtydaks got TBI's and ended up in comas. Dakota recovered and...
Posted by Jamie Crane-Mauzy on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Since the 1st grade Sam and my son Malachi have been the closest of friends. Sam has been family to us. Sam had the...
Posted by Baptiste Yoga on Saturday, October 3, 2015

Dark skies matched my mood this weekend. Sometimes, not even the joy of being in the mountains can take away the sorrow....
Posted by Caroline Gleich on Sunday, October 4, 2015

Breakpoints

Freeskiing World Mourns Loss of Skier

Get The Latest