Loss in the Outdoors

When you start to get into outdoor sports you know it’s dangerous. You know that you and your friends could get hurt and you feel as though you are taking calculated risk. You hear about elite athletes and strangers falling victim to the mountains and rivers but never think it could be someone you know.

In June 2023 a good friend, kindred spirit, and likeminded musician William Hoxie passed away in a freak accident on the Kern River in California. I was blindsided by this horrible news while contracted very very far away in the northern alaska. A million feelings and memories flooded my mind all at ones when i got the dreaded news. All i wanted to do was to be with my tribe. The people that were sharing these deep and complex feelings.

Nothing can prepare you for what the feeling of loss will be like and unfortunately I joined the community of adventurers who have lost someone close to them doing the activities we all love. I think about the man that Will was often. A creative, an adventurer, a rolling stone. Someone who cared deeply for whom he loved and was unapologetically himself. I had wished I kept more in touch with him after college and I wish I still had time to experience his goofy energy.

Will, you have given me so many amazing memories. You taught me how to be confident and be unafraid to be myself. You taught me determination to go for what I want out of life. You were a teacher in how to be a better river runner. Lastly, you encouraged me to be a better musician.

Every time I pick up my guitar or get to a river I think about you. I miss daily and I hope you are at peace.