On September 10th, our beloved son, Ian Michael Weinman was involved in a motorcycle accident while traveling through the Lincoln Tunnel from New York City to his home in New Jersey.

Despite wearing his helmet, Ian suffered a severe brain injury that required him to be on life support in a non-communicative state. After consulting his medical team, we were informed that this was the condition Ian would remain in indefinitely with no hope of him ever returning to an awake, communicative state and that he would be supported entirely by medical devices.

We were faced with the decision of whether we wanted to keep him up like this or take him off life support, which we decided was the more humane way.

Wednesday, September 18 at At 12:24 PM EST, Ian Michael Weinman quickly crossed into the sky. In his departure he became a light in the sky, burning brighter than ever before. Ian left us the only way he knew how: fight to the end. He never gave up, even in the face of tragedy. He felt no pain. He was greeted eagerly and with open arms. Now he is at peace in a place more beautiful than we could ever imagine.

To talk about Ian’s life is to tell the story of someone you only come across once and that’s if you’re really lucky.

We happen to be the lucky ones.

Ian wants us to know that he is free now, at peace, loving each of us even more fiercely from his place of pure light, free from all pain. To know Ian was to have a greater appreciation for life itself. Everyone who had the privilege of being his friend experienced a wild ride because with Ian, every second counted. Every minute of his life was spent in vivid colors, at full volume. He brought an infectious energy that touched everyone. He inspired those close to him to catch a glimpse of that light and pass it on. It is now our duty to do so.

Called to the sea, adventure, music and love, Ian brought joy, laughter, depth and a greater appreciation for this gift we call life to everyone around him. He was unstoppable, he was strong, he was brave and he was magnetic.

Marching to the beat of his own music, Ian showed others how to find the courage to follow their own paths. So many of us met Ian at a place in our lives when we needed Ian, and we needed hope. Ian filled that space and made every moment electric. Because of the way Ian moved forward, many who were lucky enough to be close to him followed his arrow until they could be bold enough, like Ian, to follow their own. He had so much life to live, so many hearts to touch. He knew he had a mission in this lifetime, and he fulfilled it.

There wasn’t a minute with Ian that was dull, quiet or uncomfortable. He gave comfort and joy not only to those closest to him, but to everyone around him. He had a lot of places to go and a lot of people to touch and he did it without blinking.

For Ian, life was a wild, exciting journey to the edge. He felt everything deeply, from the beauty of the world around him to the music that touched his soul. Most importantly, he loved with a ferocity that few have ever known. His love was a force that opened our eyes and hearts to what true friendship, brotherhood and love could be.

Whenever you need Ian, or you feel lost, look up to the sky and know that he is there and still guiding us. He was always our North Star – only now he really is.

As we grapple with the deep void he left behind, Ian wants us to live boldly, just as he did. To follow our own arrows, to live fully and fearlessly.

We will be holding a community celebration of the life of Captain Ian Weinman on November 20th at 7 p.m. at Fuego’s Bistro, 2001 Sidewinder Dr., in Park City. We welcome everyone to join us as we share music, conversation, memories and hugs in honor of Ian’s life.

Thank you to those of you who have shared condolences, memories and donations; your kindness has been a great comfort to us during this time.

Ian Michael Weinman celebrates life

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