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PARK CITY — Friends are supporting a 16-year-old freeskiing and inline skating champion who is in a coma after an accident in Australia.
Sam Jackenthal, an athlete for Team Park City United, was attending a ski camp at Perisher Resort in Australia when the accident occurred last week, according to TPCU executive director Ryan Walsh. He said Jackenthal's parents and younger sister flew to Australia as soon as they learned about the crash.
"We've got a great kid, and we're hoping for the best possible outcome for him," Walsh said. "There are a lot of people in this town and in this community — and I have heard from folks from other programs around the country — who are all sending a lot of great energy (his way)."
The accident occurred during the first week of a two week camp, according to Walsh. He said there were eight or nine other athletes from the team, plus two coaches and a parent, at the event. The group was freeskiing between training sessions at the resort in a familiar area when Jackenthal crashed.
"This was nothing more salacious or interesting than an accident, which is really sad," Walsh said. "These guys were skiing at the resort. They were skiing in bounds and they were at part of the resort where they skied a handful of times before."
The most significant injuries were to Jackenthal's head and brain. He hasn't regained consciousness since the accident, according to Walsh. The family is waiting for test results to determine the longterm prognosis.
While Jackenthal remains in an Australian hospital, his teammates and others in the community are rallying together in Park City. Friends set up accounts* through GoFundMe and Zions Bank to help his family cover medical expenses. They also held a candlelight vigil Thursday night and another gathering Saturday with a band to send "good vibes" to Australia, according to Walsh. The family was able to participate via FaceTime.
Jackenthal started skiing with AXIS Freeride, which merged with TPCU, when he was 6. In March, he won first place at the USSA Junior National Championships for men's overall combined after earning high marks in the slopestyle, big air and half pipe events. Jackenthal is also a defending world freestyle inline skate champion, according to Walsh.
Walsh said Jackenthal is an energetic young man who is always optimistic and happy.
"A very vivid memory is from our Fourth of July parade where we had 30 or 40 kids come out and Sam had a rock and roll wig on with a headband and his inline skates. He carried an American flag in the parade and skated around our group during the whole parade," Walsh said. "He just brought a little extra energy and vitality to what he does. He brings smiles and energy and happiness and fun to our organization and his friends."
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
