News Summary
Over 600 people gathered at the University of Kentucky to celebrate the life of Noah Tinch, who tragically passed away in a fly fishing accident. Family, friends, and community members shared memories and paid tribute to his vibrant personality and philanthropic efforts. As part of the homage, rubber bracelets inscribed with ‘Live Like Noah’ were distributed. A fundraiser in his honor aims to assist underprivileged children, showcasing the legacy Noah left behind. A further celebration of life is scheduled to provide an opportunity for the community to grieve and remember.
Lexington, Kentucky – Over 600 individuals gathered at the University of Kentucky’s student center on Saturday to celebrate the life of Noah Tinch, who tragically passed away in a fly fishing accident just one day before his 19th birthday. The event was standing room only, as family, friends, and community members came together to honor his memory and legacy.
Noah Tinch died on June 12 in Colorado when he was found unresponsive in shallow water. His mother, Angie Tinch, attempted to revive him through CPR until paramedics arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene by medical responders, according to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. His untimely death sent shockwaves through both his local community and the University of Kentucky, where he was a beloved student.
During the memorial service, Noah’s father, Brett Tinch, reflected on his son’s vibrant life, emphasizing that Noah experienced more in his brief time than many do in an entire lifetime. Attendees remembered Noah as a passionate and intelligent young man who inspired others to lead by example and strive for self-improvement.
As part of the tribute, close friends Will and Lawson Shrensker distributed rubber bracelets inscribed with the phrase ‘Live Like Noah.’ This tribute was inspired by Noah’s fondness for bracelets, which his friends noted as a signature part of his personality. Lawson described how Noah’s love for the accessory motivated them to create the bracelets as a reminder of his spirit.
Noah was in his second year at the University of Kentucky, majoring in kinesiology and active in Beta Theta Pi fraternity. His positive impact was highlighted by his fraternity brothers, who expressed their grief following his death. Flags at the fraternity’s office located in Oxford, Ohio, were lowered to half-staff in his honor, showcasing the sense of loss felt by the organization and community members.
Throughout his life, Noah was involved in various athletic pursuits. He was a dedicated player on his high school boys’ soccer team and received an all-city honorable mention in 2023. Additionally, he played for the Lexington Sporting Club and other travel teams, including the Cincinnati United Premier Development Academy. Community leaders, including Principal Tony Blackman, recognized the profound grief felt by those who had the honor of knowing Noah and offered support as everyone processes this loss.
In addition to his athleticism, Noah was active in philanthropic efforts, often volunteering with the Special Olympics of Kentucky, an organization led by his mother, Angie Tinch. His family has established a fundraiser named the “Noah Tinch Legacy Fund,” which aims to aid underprivileged children in attending soccer camps. As of the latest reports, over $32,000 has been raised towards a goal of $35,000, showcasing the community’s support for honoring Noah’s memory.
In a further tribute to his character and values, Noah’s family plans to create a foundation in his honor, focusing on promoting leadership and kindness. Friends and family have recounted how Noah was not only humble but also deeply committed to helping others, highlighting a particular desire to take veterans fly fishing as a way of giving back.
A celebration of life for Noah Tinch is scheduled for June 21, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harris Ballroom of the Gatton Student Center on the University of Kentucky campus. This event intends to provide an opportunity for the community to gather, share memories, and pay homage to a young life that, despite its brevity, left an undeniable mark on those around him.
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Tragic Drowning Incident Claims Life of Teen in Colorado
Tragic Fly Fishing Accident Claims Life of UK Student
Additional Resources
- Lex18
- Wikipedia: University of Kentucky
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Noah Tinch
- Fox 56 News
- Google Scholar: Noah Tinch
- WKYT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fly Fishing
