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Tragedy in Australia: Talented Young Freestyle Skier Dies After Training Accident

16-year-old Sam Jackenthal passed away after weeks in a medically-induced coma

Sam Jackenthal, who tragically lost his life in a skiing accident in Australia. Photo: USASA

 

Sam Jackenthal, a talented young skier who had won the American Junior National Championships, tragically died earlier this week following an accident in Australia.

On September 8th, the 16-year-old had been skiing with friends at Perisher resort when he suffered a head injury that left him with a traumatic brain injury in a medically induced coma.

According to the coach of Team Park City United, of which Sam was a part, the teenager over-rotated off a jump and hit his head on the landing.

His father Ron Jackenthal posted a heart-rending statement on Facebook, saying: “Sam passed away late last night in Australia with his immediate family at his side.

“It is our hope, that his incredible drive, compassion and passion for life can inspire others to live life to the very fullest.

“We cannot imagine what life without Sam will be like. We will miss him so much.”

Sam had a glittering career ahead of him – along with his first place overall in the 2015 overall combined category in the USASA junior championship, he’d posted a series of season edits and videos on Youtube, the latest of which, uploaded just a few days before his accident, clearly shows his talent.

Our thoughts are with Ron and the rest of Sam’s family and friends.

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