Champion skier Holden Parazette, 26, died in a hot tub on July 9 in Huntington Beach, California. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation, according to a report by the Daily Mail.
Parazette's parents, Andy and Danielle Parazette, confirmed their son drowned and stated that drugs and alcohol were not factors in his death. The local coroner's office has confirmed the ongoing investigation.
Parazette, a resident of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, had a decorated skiing career. He joined the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club at age 6 and later became an elite racer. In 2019, he won a U19 giant slalom championship race at the Junior Nationals. He continued his athletic and academic pursuits at Middlebury College in Vermont, where he graduated in February 2024 with a degree in physics. He was pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah and was involved with the university's ski team.
The University of Utah Ski Team memorialized Parazette, recalling his "unforgettable laugh" and his ability to maintain perspective.
His family described him as an intellectual and introverted individual with intense curiosity. He was known for being comfortable with himself and for challenging those around him to consider different viewpoints. His parents told the Jackson Hole News & Guide that he had been dedicated to his family's community in Jackson Hole since childhood.
Despite his success as a skier, Parazette remained humble. After his 2019 victory, he told the News & Guide, "At the end of the day, it’s about having fun and doing what you like."
Following his graduation, Parazette traveled internationally but maintained close ties with his brothers. His brother Noah shared a poignant message Parazette sent him before college, encouraging him to "Keep making good friends and calculated bad decisions. Don’t forget to have fun at college, and I’m always a phone call away."
Noah described his brother as someone who stayed true to himself and sought to connect with everyone he met.