Holden Parazette, a 26-year-old skier from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, died on July 9 in Huntington Beach, California. His parents, Andy and Danielle Parazette, described his death as both unexpected and tragic, emphasizing that drugs and alcohol were not contributing factors.
The local coroner's office is still investigating the incident. Parazette, who was pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah, was also an assistant coach for the university's ski team.
His parents, who own a taqueria in Jackson, Wyoming, remembered their son as hardworking and kind. Danielle Parazette told the Jackson Hole News & Guide that Holden was a "deep thinker" who was comfortable with himself and "not your typical teenager."
Parazette had a notable skiing career. He joined the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club at age six and later won a slalom championship race at the Junior Nationals the year after graduating high school. He shared his philosophy on skiing at the time, stating, "At the end of the day, it’s about having fun and doing what you like. And it seems pretty cliche, but for me, it’s just that I’m skiing."
Academically, Parazette graduated with a degree in physics from Middlebury College in Vermont in February 2024. He was pursuing his postgraduate studies at the University of Utah.
Teams for whom Parazette skied paid tribute to him. The University of Utah's Ski Team, in a social media post, called him "sweet, thoughtful, loving and generous" and noted his ability to keep things light with his "unforgettable laugh." They extended their condolences to the Parazette family, who have been a significant support to the team.
The Middlebury Alpine Ski Team also mourned his passing, describing him as a "beloved member" who "checked every box" and was "sweet, thoughtful, loving, generous, and a little wild."