On July 18, 2020, the Bozeman Nordic community suffered the tragic loss of a vibrant teammate and friend, Soren Hartnett, age 16, a member of the BSF Nordic Team and Crosscut Biathlon.
An undiagnosed heart condition caused a cardiac event while Soren was training with his BSF teammates last Wednesday (July 15). BSF coaches administered CPR until local paramedics arrived. Soren was stabilized at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital and arrived at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City within a few hours. Soren died Saturday evening and was able to donate his liver and both kidneys to three young recipients.
We’re devastated. As a member of both BSF and Crosscut Biathlon, Soren had a tremendous impact on all of his coaches and teammates over the years. Soren started biathlon at age 8 to be with his buddies, and this grew into a passion for Nordic skiing. He put all of his energy into it, and was on a team representing the United States in biathlon in Norway last winter. He pushed himself constantly and kept at it even when competing against 1100 Norwegians! His fierce dedication, his kindness, and his unique spirit marked his short time here. A kudo board, which was started to encourage him to get better and now also contains memories, is a testament to his character and to the deep bonds he had with so many in the community. Those who knew him are encouraged to leave their own post if Soren touched their lives. https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/pEMSAOuw
This week, BSF has focused on trying to support Soren’s teammates and coaches. Guidance counselors from Bozeman High have reached out to all Nordic Comp and Devo Progressive athletes. BSF arranged for a trauma counselor to attend their first practice this week and help the team process their grief, and they’ll be following up with additional sessions for the group. BSF will also ensure that coaches have access to private counselors. This is an emotional and difficult experience for all involved; now more than ever, we’re learning the true meaning of teamwork and support. Please send your love and support to Soren’s family, coaches, friends, and teammates.
Soren’s family has created a legacy scholarship fund through One Valley Community Foundation, which will provide scholarships to skiers with BSF Nordic and Crosscut Biathlon.
You can learn more and make a donation to the Soren Joseph Hartnett Legacy Scholarship Fund at https://www.bridgerskifoundation.org/donate/hartnett-legacy-scholarship.
We'll share plans for a memorial and additional ways the Nordic community will honor Soren's memory as they become available.
Our community has offered many resources to help our families through this difficult time. We encourage you to take advantage of these.
(we'll continue to update this list as we receive resources)
