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Local athlete killed in Maine road accident

Monday, June 22, 2009

By Patrick Dolan

Jackson Hole, Wyo. – Politically active Jackson resident Willie Neal (19) died Sunday night after being struck by a car near Fort Fairfield, Maine, according to news sources, there. The son of Jackson residents William and Mary Neal, Neal was in Maine to train for a biathlon.
    Fort Fairfield police reported to WAGM-TV that Neal was roller skiing when struck from behind by an 18-year-old motorist. He was pronounced dead on the scene around 8:30 p.m. Police have not said whether charges will be filed.
    Neal was in Maine with his brother, Eliot, training for a spot on the U.S. Junior National Biathlon team. He was ranked fifth in the nation among junior biathletes.
    Neal was known throughout Jackson for his environmental and political activism. In Aug. 2008, he attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver as the youngest delegate from Wyoming. He also served as an intern to Sen. John Kerry in Washington D.C.
    He started the Idle Free Jackson Hole campaign, which worked to craft a no-idling ordinance for the town of Jackson.
A May 2008 graduate of Jackson Hole Community School, he deferred a year at Middlebury College in Vermont to train with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Olympic Development Team for the biathlon. JHW


PERMALINK:
Local athlete killed in Maine road accident | Planet JH News Article: General News

Reader Comments

Wllie was a fine ahelete and student. This tragic event is definatly heart breaking. My thoughts and coldolences go out to the Neal family. He will be missed.
Steve Ware

If we all could parent as Bill & Mary, while raising such a child as Willie the world WILL be a better place. Our family sends our love Roger, Kathy, Eric, Luke Brecheen
kathy watkins

Our hearts are broken by this news. The Neals are an incredible family -- full of promise, hope and dreams. Bill and Mary are the finest parents and people you could ever know. We are deeply saddened by this wrenching news. Megan Hayes & Reed Zars
Megan Hayes & Reed Zars

Willie was such a shining star! What a great role model! He accomplished so much in his much-too-short life!
Suzy Kneeland

We are are so sad for Willie's dear immediate and extended family. Our community will truly suffer this loss. We are heart broken and send our prayers. Bob, Deb, Rachel, James Ablondi
Deb Wuersch

Roller Skating? In the Road? At Night? Tragic for the driver and Willie.
eyeson jackson

Our hearts are full of love for Willie and Bill and Mary and all their wonderful family. Willie's passion for life and his beautiful, energetic and creative spirit will live and grow in all of us who had the privilege of knowing Willie. We are heartbroken and pledge this: we will remember him always- his life and convictions resonate in us all. Much love to the Neals. You are in our hearts. Robin Moore and Brian Nystrom
Robin Moore

Hang in there Bill& Mary! no parent should have to go thru this... hang in there...
Shepard Humphries

What a future this kid had in front of him. Senseless and unfair. Only God knows. My condolences.
jake

I was so sad to hear that Willie died. I feel so bad for Peter, Eliot,Betsy,Bill, and Mary. Your in our prayers.
Cory



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