Dartmouth skiers to remember nordic athlete at memorial services

Torin Tucker of the Dartmouth Ski Team (Ruff Patterson)

HANOVER, N.H. — Torin Tucker, a member of the Dartmouth Class of 2015, passed away while competing for the Big Green in a cross country skiing event in Craftsbury, Vt. on Feb. 1. After the college informed Tucker’s family and expressed its deep sympathy and support, President Philip Hanlon shared the tragic news with the college community in a campus-wide email.

Rick Bender, Director of Communications for varsity sports at Dartmouth, said the Sun Valley, Idaho native passed away from an unknown medical issue after attempts to revive him at the scene were unsuccessful.

A memorial service has been set for Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Rollins Chapel at 7 p.m. The service will include reflections from students and be followed by a candle-lighting ceremony on Baker Lawn and then a gathering with a photo slideshow and refreshments in Collis Common Ground. Dean of the College Charlotte Johnson will speak at the service, which Tucker’s parents will attend.

In addition, the ski team will hold a memorial in Tucker’s honor in the stadium area at Craftsbury Outdoor Center on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. Attendees will ski out to the location on the Craftsbury Marathon course where Tucker passed away, which will be marked by a cairn constructed by the Center. There will be a short ceremony where a passage will be read and then the group will observe a moment of silence, after which time there will be two return options on skis. Erik Fagerstrom of the Class of 2014 will lead a group along the rest of the marathon course, completing the 8K that Tucker could not. The rest of the group will return to the stadium area via the most direct route. All are welcome to celebrate and remember Torin in the way they deem most fitting.

“The thoughts of Dartmouth athletics are with Torin’s family, friends, and the entire Dartmouth community on this sad day,” said Dartmouth Director of Athletics and Recreation Harry Sheehy.

“We urge students, faculty, and staff who would like to speak to a counselor or chaplain, on their own behalf or out of concern for someone else to contact Safety and Security at any hour,” President Hanlon said. “Please do not hesitate to seek help during this time of grief.”

The Dartmouth ski team returned to campus on Saturday, Feb. 1 and did not compete in the remainder of the University of Vermont Carnival contested on Feb. 2.

Release courtesy of Dartmouth College