It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Jaeger Bailey, a beloved boarder who took his own life on Christmas Day, 2019. Jaeger will be remembered fondly for his wildly creative drive on and off-hill, his inspiring talent in the parks and streets, and for that infectious smile he wore so well.

Family, friends and members of the snowboarding community at large have been pouring out their respect and love for Jaeger on social media.

“Jaeger was a star,” Harrison Gordon wrote on Instagram. “His infectious energy is something I will never forget…

“He texted me last week with a random, ‘Hey Harry, I miss you.’ To which I replied, ‘I miss you too!” I wish I would have asked him more questions and made him know just how much he mattered to me. I realize now it wasn’t random and it was an opportunity to tell someone I cared about how special he was.

“Tell you friends you love them.”

On that note: We love you, Jaeger. And to anyone else out there who may be struggling, please know that you are loved and it’s ok to not be “ok.” You are not alone. Mental health is an integral part of our wellbeing, and if you’re not feeling well, don’t be afraid to speak out and let others help you up. We’re here for each other.

Professionals are always available for help as well. If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time of day or night, or chat online. 

See what others had to say about Jaeger, and know that at least his love and inspiration won’t be leaving us anytime soon.

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So sad to hear about Jaegers’ passing. You never truly know what is going on with someone else, unfortunately sometimes it is to late. Your energy will be missed. RIP my friend. Rest easy. I was just reading yesterday that from 2010-2017 the suicide rate in ages 14-25 years old has increased 56%. Pretty scary. Having had suicidal thoughts myself I know how lonely and isolated it can feel, even though I am a pretty open person when it gets to that point it can seem impossibly to reach out to the ones you love. Real conversations seem to be diminishing in this digital age, it seems more common to find people making eye contact with their smart phones rather than the people that are around us. You will be missed! #talktopeople #mentalhealth #mentalhelp @jaegerbailey

A post shared by Mark Landvik (@marklandvik) on Dec 26, 2019 at 2:51pm PST

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Prior to the spring of 2010, if you were a snowboarder from Northeastern Washington you might as well have been from the moon. Then Jaeger dropped his "sponsor me" edit on YouTube and fucking changed the game. Now you weren't dependant on where your family happened to live or how close you were to one of the few zones that the media cared about. All of a sudden you could be a DIY kid from 49° North and the whole world could know about you…it was awesome. The sponsorships, contest results and video parts that followed were amazing but seemed secondary. It was just the fact that he was able to break through that was so inspiring. Not only to a whole generation of kids coming up after him, but a handful of the old heads who grew up in the 509. Thank you Jaeger. Rest easy. ? #zips | The Feeders! – Spokane Valley Mall – September 11, 2010

A post shared by Snowboy Productions (@snowboyproductions) on Dec 26, 2019 at 11:04pm PST

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Hard to swallow this one. @jaegerbailey was one of the most infectious people I have ever met. From snowboarding to the river. Can’t think of a better human. We will miss you something fierce man.

A post shared by Kyle Beckmann (@kyle_beckmann) on Dec 26, 2019 at 10:16am PST

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I’m gonna miss that energy the most. Your smile lit up the room everytime you walked in. You had the absolute most beyond biggest heart and you always had my back and always the best friend to me. I’m going to miss the fucking hell out of you. I don’t really know what to say but that I love you so much Jaeger. You where one of the good ones. Boot packing heaven and enjoying some endless powder turns. #bootpackbailey

A post shared by Jose Magra (@jose_magra) on Dec 26, 2019 at 8:54am PST

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Jaeger was the kindest dood I knew and brought out the best in everyone around him. He was always the life of the party, literally stealing the show on the dance floor at our wedding! I know he’s doing shirtless backflips up there now and slaying ass big fish on the fly. I love you brother, legends never die ?? @jaegerbailey @hionthefly

A post shared by Tom Lippen (@rippenlippen) on Dec 26, 2019 at 8:33am PST

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Some of the clips I got with @jaegerbailey over the years. Rest In Peace my friend. 2011 2008

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mike_miller208) on Dec 26, 2019 at 1:42pm PST

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Thanks for everything Jaeger ?

A post shared by Ryan Finder (@view__finder_) on Dec 26, 2019 at 10:22am PST

Make a donation to the Jaeger Bailey Memorial Fund here.