Sam Jackenthal, a 16-year-old U.S. Ski and Snowboard (USSA) Junior Nationals champion who suffered a head injury while skiing at Perisher聽Ski Resort in Australia on September 8, died聽on Thursday, according to a statement from the boy鈥檚 father .
鈥淲e 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,鈥 Ron Jackenthal wrote. 鈥淚t is our hope聽that his incredible drive, compassion, and passion for life can inspire others to live life to the very fullest.鈥
Sam was a member of 聽in Park City, Utah. Longtime coach Chris 鈥淗atch鈥 Haslock told 国产吃瓜黑料聽that聽Jackenthal was skiing with friends in-bounds when he over-rotated off a jump and struck聽his head on the landing. He was later put into a medically induced coma.
鈥淚 am comforted knowing that Sam鈥檚 life was full of everything he loved,鈥 Hatch wrote on the . 鈥淗e lived to the fullest with passion and enthusiasm鈥攁n unabashed love for life.鈥
was set up following his injury.聽It has raised more than $108,000 for medical and living expenses.
鈥淥n behalf of Perisher Ski Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, and the entire Vail Resorts family, we extend our deepest sympathy to Sam鈥檚 family, friends, and fellow teammates of Team Park City United,鈥 Kelly Ladyga, vice president of corporate communications for聽Vail Resorts Management Company, which owns Perisher, told聽国产吃瓜黑料.
Watch highlights from Jackenthal鈥檚 final season below: