News Summary
Noah Tinch, a 19-year-old University of Kentucky student, died in a fly fishing accident in Colorado just before his birthday. Tinch was found unresponsive in Sunset Lake after a head injury likely led to drowning. His mother attempted CPR until emergency personnel arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Tinch was a kinesiology major and had a passion for community service, raising funds to support underprivileged children in sports. The Lexington community mourns his loss as condolences pour in for his family.
Lexington, Kentucky – Noah Tinch, a 19-year-old University of Kentucky student from Lexington, tragically died in a fly fishing accident in Colorado on Thursday, one day before his birthday. The incident occurred at Sunset Lake, located near Mesa, Colorado, around 5 p.m. Tinch’s mother, Angie, was accompanying him during the trip to help empty her parents’ cabin for sale. Noah planned to showcase his fly fishing skills during their visit.
Authorities were alerted when a nearby man texted 911 reporting a young adult in a medical emergency. After a second day of fishing, Tinch was found unresponsive in less than three feet of water. His mother administered CPR until emergency professionals arrived. Despite these efforts, Tinch was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed that he suffered a head injury which led to drowning, likely after he fell while attempting to retrieve a fishing fly that had become tangled.
Noah Tinch was a dedicated student, majoring in kinesiology at UK and on track to graduate in 2024. He was also an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Prior to attending university, he graduated from Henry Clay High School in 2022, where he demonstrated his athleticism as both a soccer and football player. Tinch was recognized as an all-city honorable mention soccer player in 2023, contributing to the Lexington Sporting Club and various travel teams.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Tinch showed a strong commitment to community service. He established a GoFundMe account during high school, aimed at supporting underprivileged children to attend soccer camps. As of the latest reports, the “Noah Tinch Legacy Fund” has garnered over $22,000, which will be used to continue his charitable endeavors, including potential scholarships for future defensive soccer players at Henry Clay High School.
In the aftermath of Tinch’s passing, his family and community mourn his loss. His mother, Angie Tinch, serves as the CEO of Special Olympics Kentucky, while his father, Brett Tinch, works as a mortgage consultant. He leaves behind an older sister, Zoe, who is also a soccer player and attends the University of Louisville.
Friends and family are considering holding a celebration of life ceremony, although specific arrangements have not been finalized. The community continues to support the Tinch family during this difficult time, as people express their condolences and share memories of Noah.
It is important to note that there have been concerns about fraudulent fundraising campaigns and false obituaries surfacing since Tinch’s death, underscoring the need for caution among those wishing to support the family as well as Noah’s charitable initiatives.
Noah Tinch’s passion for fly fishing was well-known among those close to him, often practicing casting techniques in his driveway. He had recently completed his lifeguard test while working at Tates Creek Pool, showcasing his dedication to both his studies and recreational activities.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com
- Wikipedia: Noah Tinch
- Lex18 News
- Google Search: Fly Fishing Accidents
- WKYT
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Fly Fishing
- Fox 56 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fly Fishing
- Google News: Community Fundraising for Noah Tinch
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