Early details in the local grapevine are sparse, but have confirmed that skiing legend Shane McConkey has died today. A pioneer and perfectionist of many facets of the sport of Freeskiing, he will be missed by all who ever ski a fat ski; who ever go upside down; who ever stage a Gaper Day; who ever use a parachute; who ever compete in freeskiing; who ever hit a terrain park feature; who ever share a laugh in the sun or a Red Bull on a blizzarding January morning; and by many others too. Life is measured in moments lived, and not in minutes. Shane was eager to continue thriving in life, as his was richly fulfilled, even in its brevity.
My thoughts are especially with Sherry and Ayla, as well as the close community in Olympic Valley and Tahoe, and the greater ski world to which Shane was integral. Your husband, Sherry, and your father, Ayla, leaves a family to harness you and to weep with you. We will honor by maintaining his playfully professional, caring, curious, and confident approach to life. We will laugh harder, and go bigger in all that we do, as we have watched him excel in both spectrums. Your lives are spectacular! Our lives are amazing!
Shane, you were truly a hero to so many, like me. Your enthusiasm and passion were and will remain infectious. Your legacy is left in the hearts and minds of perhaps millions, who learned to love life and to live life more fully through the way you lived yours. Thanks for being a humanistic example, a great community member, and a great friend to all who embraced the sport you Godfathered. Also, thanks in advance for all the bounties of snow you will share with us from your infinite, eternal stash. We have the equipment, the mindset, and the knowledge to go for it, and have you to thank for all three.
RIP it up on the mountains of your most perfect creations!
G.o
N.ow
A.nd
R.est,
Dobbs
ESPN story
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