To the greater UVMSSC,

     It is with great regret that we must inform you that a beloved  
member of our community has passed away. Ryan Hawks sustained injuries  
this past weekend at the North American Freeskiing Championships at  
Kirkwood, sending a massive backflip off of a cliff during one of his  
runs. He was immediately helicopter evacuated, but later died in the  
ICU.

     Before UVM's lifeless condolence email is released, we simply  
want to give those of you who never knew Hawks a glimpse of what a  
glorious human being he truly was and provide a small token of our  
love and appreciation to those who did. Ryan Hawks was an inspiration  
to say the very least. On the super, super, super senior plan here at  
UVM, Hawks spent his falls chasing a degree and winters competing in  
the Freeskiing World Tour while traveling with his team, Green  
Mountain Freeride. Successful in many of the tours stop, Ryan became a  
staple of the circuit, always expected to put on a show. Wherever he  
went, East or West, he was know for his infectious smile and  
unwaveringly positive personality.

     Some of our favorite memories of Hawks include him helping us cut  
fresh skins in sub zero temperatures at 5am on Mad River's opening  
day, getting people stoked at local premieres, flipping off of monster  
cliffs into Lake Champlain, and sending some of the gnarliest chutes,  
cliffs, and lines the east and west coasts have to offer. Not many  
people experience the magnitude of things Ryan did in an entire  
lifetime.  Ryan was a fiercely driven person, loving friend of many,  
and uplifting force for all.

     Our sincere condolences go out to Ryan's family and friends. You  
are loved!

With heavy and loving hearts,

The UVM Ski & Snowboard Club