The freeskiing family lost a good friend last Friday. On July 17th, Freeskiing’s “Captain Jack” Carey was involved in a biking accident that tragically took his life outside Telluride, CO. Captain Jack was the consummate ski bum who loved his life and to us was the positive voice and calming presence that got so many skiers out of the gate in competitive freeskiing over the past 20 years. Since the beginning, Jack was there. He was our starter for so many events. His presence at the top of a venue was something many athletes looked forward to. With a quick shoulder rub and a pat on the back he would help relax athletes and send them off with confidence and the positive vibe we needed to get down the mountain. As an event organizer he saw that the future of competitive freeskiing was in the youth and he was truly the spark that started the fire of junior freesking competition. By establishing junior freeskiing events at Red Mountain, Kimberly and Fernie, Jack fueled the progression of junior freeskiing popularity.

Jack was a lover of life and shared his enthusiasm with every person he met. He inspired us as athletes and encouraged and supported us to be great competitors. Captain Jack and I were brothers since the first time we shook hands. Sharing similar names and the same passion for the mountains and the sport of skiing gave us a connection we loved to express. I was fortunate to work with him over the years in Red Mountain, BC where we shared many hikes up Mt. Roberts and as many laughing turns down its slopes. Our community will miss his efforts. We will miss his long white beard and his east coast accent. But we will remember him as a legend and his presence will stay with us at every event when we think about times we all shared high in the mountains. Thank you for the energy and thank you for being one of the reasons we all continue to do what we do.

Our deepest sympathy and Gods strength goes out to Jack’s wife Monica and daughter Jill through this sad and difficult time. You are in our thoughts.

Rest Captain , you will be greatly missed and with us always.