Park City, UT — Drew Youngquist Remembered After Snowboarding Accident Leaves Community in Deep Mourning
Park City, UT — Drew Youngquist Remembered After Snowboarding Accident Leaves Community in Deep Mourning
Park City, UT — August 18, 2025 — The Park City community is in deep mourning after the tragic passing of 22-year-old Drew Youngquist, a beloved University of Utah student. Drew, a wilderness EMS major and aspiring medical student, lost his life following a snowboarding accident while in Australia. His sudden passing has left family, friends, and classmates grappling with heartbreak and disbelief.
Drew had been studying abroad, taking advantage of an opportunity to combine his academic passion with his love for adventure. Known for his enthusiasm, optimism, and determination to help others, he was pursuing a path that combined medicine, outdoor safety, and a lifelong commitment to service. Friends describe him as someone who carried both a strong sense of discipline and an easygoing warmth that drew people close.
The accident occurred while Drew was snowboarding during a recreational outing. Authorities in Australia confirmed the incident, but emphasized that details remain under review. For many, the news traveled quickly back to Utah, where his professors, classmates, and family members expressed overwhelming grief, describing the devastating loss of a young man with unlimited potential and a bright future ahead.
At the University of Utah, Drew’s absence is deeply felt. Faculty members from the wilderness EMS program said he was a standout student whose curiosity and dedication inspired those around him. Many of his peers spoke about his willingness to support classmates, his leadership during field training exercises, and his commitment to making a meaningful difference through medicine.
Back in Park City, neighbors and friends remember Drew not only as a dedicated student but also as someone who valued community and adventure. He was often seen hiking, snowboarding, and volunteering at local events, embodying a spirit of resilience and compassion. His kindness and sense of humor created lasting bonds with those who knew him best.
In the days since the news broke, tributes have poured in across social media, where friends and family have shared photos, memories, and heartfelt messages. Many have written about Drew’s determination to become a physician, his selflessness, and the way he made others feel valued. For those closest to him, the overwhelming theme is clear: Drew’s life, though short, was filled with love, purpose, and impact.
The university community is now working on ways to honor his memory. Plans for a campus vigil are underway, allowing classmates and faculty to gather, reflect, and celebrate Drew’s life. In Park City, family members are preparing a memorial service, where loved ones will share stories, prayers, and cherished memories.
While words cannot fully capture the depth of this loss, those who knew Drew are committed to carrying forward his legacy. His dedication to helping others, his adventurous spirit, and his genuine compassion will live on through the lives he touched and the dreams he inspired.
Authorities in Australia continue to review the circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, Drew’s loved ones in Utah and beyond are holding close to one another, united in grief but also in gratitude for the memories they shared.
For now, Park City and the University of Utah remember a young man whose passion, kindness, and determination defined his journey — and whose memory will forever remain an inspiration.
