The family of a young Port Coquitlam rock climber who died after a snowboarding accident March 7 is hoping to create a legacy for future climbers.
Jaxson MacDonald, 21, started climbing after a birthday party at a Coquitlam climbing facility when he was 10.
The Terry Fox Secondary School grad went on to compete at three youth world championships as well as several national championships.
In 2020, MacDonald told the Tri-City News he loved the athleticism and mental challenge of planning a route that will get him up a vertical rock face safely and quicker than his competitors.
“You’re really aware of everything your body is doing, how it’s moving and how you’re connected to the wall,” MacDonald said.
Since retiring from competitive climbing, MacDonald was working on obtaining his commercial pilots licence, according to a post on social media by his dad, Michael.
“There was nothing that went fast, down a hill or over a jump that didn’t bring him joy,” he said of his son, adding Jaxson especially “cherished every moment with his huge climbing family.”
MacDonald's parents have established a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for an annual memorial scholarship in their son’s name to support up-and-coming young climbers.
“We are hoping through this scholarship to provide the same inspiration to those that follow his path,” said Jaxson’s mom, Dayna, on the fundraising site. “It can be extremely challenging to dedicate the time and energy to make it to the highest reaches and our goal is to help support these athletes.”
Since the effort launched March 11, it has already raised more than half its $50,000 goal.
The circumstances and location of MacDonald’s accident were not disclosed by the family.
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