Nathaniel (Natty) Schneider, 31, died on Friday, Dec. 26 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls from injuries sustained in an avalanche.
A Vineyard man who was backcountry skiing in Wyoming died last week after being buried in an avalanche.
Nathaniel (Natty) Schneider, 31, died on Friday, Dec. 26 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls from injuries sustained in the accident.
Mr. Schneider grew up in West Tisbury, graduating from the regional high school in 2013, where he was a standout tennis star, a key part of the 2012 and 2013 state championship teams.
He was the son of Paul Schneider, former editor of the Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, and Nina Bramhall. Mr. Schneider moved to Jackson, Wyoming after college, although he returned home often in the summer to work as a fishing guide, among other activities.
An experienced and skilled skier, Mr. Schneider was with a partner in an area known as “The Claw” on Teton Pass on Dec. 20 when the slide occurred, according to local reporting from the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
The paper reported the slide released heavy snow that fully buried Mr. Schneider. His skiing partner was able to locate him and dig him out, and Mr. Schneider was flown to an area hospital. He succumbed to his injuries a week later, the News & Guide reported.
Mr. Schneider’s father said Wednesday that though his son’s life was cut short, it would continue to inspire.
“Everyone who knew Natty knew that his two favorite places in the world to be were on the waters of Vineyard Sound with a fly rod in his hands or at the top of the Tetons with a pair of skis on his feet,” Paul Schneider told the Gazette.
“He will be sorely missed by his legions of friends and family in Wyoming, on the Vineyard, and across the country. But the way he lived every moment of his brief life to the fullest will continue to inspire us forever,” his father said.
Ever the outdoorsman, in a 2018 article for the Martha’s Vineyard Magazine, Nathaniel Schneider wrote about his love for spearfishing along the shores of the Vineyard.
“Sure, you could catch a tautog from a boat with a rod and reel and the fish would taste just as good, but what you are missing out on, by staying dry and above water, is the opportunity to become a fish yourself and to get a glimpse of a world that knows nothing of you or your intentions.”
The Gazette mourns alongside the Schneider and Bramhall families.
Comments
So sorry to hear this news.
Doug Korell EdgartownSo sorry to hear this news. I know he was an excellent tennis player. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends. Sounds like he had a great attitude and zest for life!
Paul is 100% correct in his
John Mcdonald Vineyard HavenPaul is 100% correct in his assessment of inspiration because I felt it years ago while rafting up in Tarpaulin Cove with my cousin Judy Morton and her extended family.
As we untied ourselves to head home, Natty said “let’s go spear some Tautog and make
Tacos.”
I almost fell overboard at the thought, and just this October (post derby) I caught my first Tautog while positioned over a ship wreck not far from where Natty often speared his.
Onward we head towards the LIGHT.
God bless from all of the McDonalds, Mortons, Caseys, and McCulloughs.
Shocked to hear the
John and Charlotte Klein FloridaShocked to hear the devastating news. Nina and Paul, our hearts ache for both of you and your extended family.
Cherish the wonderful memories of his, all too short, time enjoying nature.
Nina and Paul,
Daphne and John Cunningham ChilmarkNina and Paul,
We are devastated to learn of this sad news and send you and the family our loving thoughts. Please know that we are here and ready to support you into the future.
We are heartbroken to read
John & Grace Llodra Groton, MA and Edgartown, MAWe are heartbroken to read this news. We didn’t know Natty well beyond the two guided fly fishing trips he took us on through Kismet. But he was a very nice and knowledgeable guide, and his passion and love for the water and its treasures were obvious. Our condolences to the Schneider family, his colleagues at Kismet, and all those who were close to him.
What a tragic accident. We
Scott smith Tampa FloridaWhat a tragic accident. We are very close to the whole family and I taught Natty tennis at Vineyard Haven Yacht Club Vineyard Youth Tennis. He was a great kid!
My heart is breaking for Paul
Carla Cooper EdgartownMy heart is breaking for Paul & Nina and the rest of the family. No words can describe my sorrow reading of this unspeakable tragedy.
This is such heartbreaking
Albert Fischer West TisburyThis is such heartbreaking news. My condolences to my friends the Schneider and Bramhall families.
One of the most enjoyable,
Dan O'Connor ConcotfOne of the most enjoyable, interesting people I’ve ever spent time with. Always happy to see everyone, a great outlook, positive energy, humble, quick smile and always open to the possibilities. So few people like u Nattie! dan o
Natty was friends with one my
paul adler WTNatty was friends with one my daughters, so I was fortunate to witness his growth on the Island. There can not be any comforting words great enough for his family right now, but I can try. I had the utmost respect for Natty. He must have been the most humble person I ever met. Even when I would engage him with his numerous successes, he never took that opportunity to flatter himself. It was as though he did not like the attention, quite different than most of us. He was quiet, sincere, and always respectful. My only regret was that I did not make more effort to get to know him better. When such a tragic loss like this occurs, it makes us wonder about religion. Why would God allow such a loss like this? Is the Universe really that random? Why isn’t karma working, where the good are rewarded? I may never know these answers, but I do know I always looked forward to my limited time with Natty.
My sincere condolences for
Helen Koch Vineyard HavenMy sincere condolences for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss,
Charlie CunninghamI am so sorry for your loss, Paul and Nina. Natty was a special soul and I am glad to have memories together roaming the trails of SG as young kids on dirt bikes and go-karts. All my love and condolences.
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