Sammy Rowse Death: Air Time Podcast Released A Heartfelt Tribute To Snowboarding Icon
The global snowboarding community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and irreplaceable figures — Sammy Rowse. More than just a snowboarder, Sammy was a cultural contributor, a warm spirit, and a friend to many. His unexpected passing has left a hole in the hearts of those who knew him, and even in those who only knew of him through the legacy he built on and off the mountain.
I had the privilege of being a long-time fan of Sammy. His energy, style, and authenticity always stood out. Whether in a backcountry clip or a park edit, there was something undeniably special about the way he rode. This past winter, I was fortunate enough to cross paths with him at NST. Nervously excited, I finally took a moment to say hello — to thank him for the inspiration, and to let him know how much his presence in the snowboarding world had meant to me.
That simple conversation turned into something I’ll never forget. By the end of the event, it genuinely felt like I’d known him for years. Sammy had a rare gift — the ability to make anyone feel like they mattered. He welcomed people with open arms and an open heart. He didn’t carry a single judgmental bone in his body. In a culture that can sometimes be cliquey or intimidating, Sammy was a reminder of what makes snowboarding beautiful: community, connection, and shared joy.
A Loss Felt Across the Snowboarding Community
The loss of Sammy Rowse is part of a larger and heartbreaking pattern this year. The snowboarding world has had to say goodbye to several key figures, influential personalities, and local legends — individuals who helped shape the culture and community that so many of us cherish. These weren’t just talented athletes; they were the spirit of snowboarding, the ones who lifted others up, pushed the limits, and redefined what it meant to be part of this lifestyle.
We often talk about snowboarding as more than a sport, and that’s because it truly is. It’s a way of life. It’s something that pulls people together from every corner of the world. We dress up in silly costumes, perform gravity-defying tricks, cheer each other on from chairlifts and sidelines, and spend long nights editing footage that captures a fleeting moment of magic.
But snowboarding is also about people — about personalities like Sammy Rowse, who gave so much to the community without ever asking for anything in return. He was the guy who stoked your fire, who made sure everyone felt seen, who turned strangers into friends.
The Soul of Snowboarding Lives On
What makes this loss especially hard is that Sammy was truly one of the soul riders — someone who did it for the love, for the people, for the culture. His contributions weren’t just in the tricks he landed or the clips he dropped. They were in the way he made people feel. They were in his laughter, his encouragement, his effortless ability to bring people together.
As we reflect on his passing, we’re reminded that snowboarding is a fragile, beautiful ecosystem made up of moments and memories — and the people who shape them. The Sammys, Jeffs, Alexs, Jasons, and so many others who have helped build snowboarding into what it is today are the heart and soul of this world. Without them, the mountain feels a little quieter. A little colder.
And yet, in their memory, the culture lives on.
Let’s continue to celebrate them. Let’s keep the community close. Let’s remember that even when life pulls us away from the slopes, snowboarding has a way of bringing us back — through shared stories, archived videos, and the warmth of a community that refuses to forget its heroes.
Rest Easy, Sammy
Sammy Rowse, thank you for being a light. Thank you for your kindness, your style, your spirit. You’ll be missed more than words can express. My heart goes out to your family, your friends, and everyone whose life you touched.
Until we meet again — rest in peace, brother.
