Thirty-nine-year-old Erik Roner, an extreme skier, adventurer and stuntman passed away on Monday, September 28, in Squaw Valley, California. Roner was a part of a four-man skydive exhibition in celebration of the Squaw Valley Institute’s Celebrity Golf Tournament when he struck a tree while parachuting to his planned landing zone. The incident occurred sometime around 10:00 a.m. PST.
A northern California-native, Roner is widely known for his career with the Nitro Circus crew—an extreme sports and stunt group—as well as his extensive experience in ski BASE and BASE jumping, and sky diving too; Roner completed numerous first-descent ski BASE lines across multiple continents, earning him the respect of skiers and thrill-seekers alike.
Roner leaves behind his wife Annika Roner and their children Oskar, 5, and Kasper, 17 months.
Over the past two days, the action sports community has taken to social media to share personal remembrances of Erik, who was celebrated for his passion toward his family and adventure, in addition to his kind spirit. A collection of tributes have been pasted below. FREESKIER extends condolences to the Roner family, and to all those who were touched and inspired by Erik.
Remembering Erik Roner:
“On Friday I went to the TGR show and suddenly started thinking of Erik Roner after a teaser. Thought, ‘Man I haven’t seen that guy in a while, seems like he’s living good. Good wife. Amazing kids. I should hang out with him more often since we’re leading such ‘normal’ and ‘boring’ lives compared to when I met him 12 years ago.’ Luck be have it, [yesterday] morning I ran into Rubberneck right before he was about to go skydiving. A totally random encounter. It was awesome to be able to catch up with him for a moment and chat quickly about that so called ‘normal’ life. An hour later, he was gone. I don’t know why I just shared this story. I guess it’s just completely crazy how we can be here all good, healthy and happy and literally moments later be gone forever. All my strength going to Annika, Oskar and Kasper. So much love for you guys. #RIPRubberneck.” – Cody Townsend, Professional Skier
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to Erik Roner’s family. He was a great friend, part of the GoPro family and he will be missed dearly. His kindness and spirit will always be a part of us.” – GoPro
“One of my best friends died this morning doing a skydive demo. Erik Roner was one of the original members of Nitro Circus. He was an amazing athlete, a true blue friend and above all, an amazing father and husband. He wasn’t doing anything that was pushing the envelope or being crazy. Erik was a calculated and experienced skydiver and this jump should have been more routine for him than most people driving to work. The nitro crew, his friends and family as well as his amazing sponsors will do everything we can to take care of his family.” – Travis Pastrana, 17-Time X Games Medalist
“Erik Roner was a good friend of Portillo and we are saddened by the news of his tragic accident today. We appreciated him on so many levels; he was a great athlete and a ton of fun to be around. He will truly be missed. Our hearts go out to his family.” – Portillo Ski Resort
“Andreas Fransson said that when you think about what happens after death, you can create your own reality. There is no right or wrong, just your own perception. For my own comfort I imagine a house party in the sky full of goofy jokes and laughter. I can picture the warm and funny welcome from these guys as Erik Roner walked through the door yesterday. The house is getting crowded though so please play safe everyone. #WeLoveYouJP #RIPRoner #AndreasFransson #CelebrateSarah #ShaneMcConkey.” – Mike Douglas, Professional Skier
“I’m holding onto this memory for life. Looking back to a dawn patrol ski session this summer on North Lake Tahoe with Marco Sullivan, JR. and Erik Roner was an awesome way to start the day. #SolidCrew. Erik- We are there for your family my friend.” – Daron Rahlves, Professional Skier
“Another legend gone to soon, sending tons of love to the Roner family and close friends. SIP Eric Roner you will be missed #legendsneverdie” – Dale Talkington, Professional Skier
“So sad. RIP Erik Roner. So much respect.” – Clayton Vila, Professional Skier
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that our longtime friend and athlete Erik Roner has passed in a tragic accident today. His personality and love for all things action was infectious. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family. We’ll miss you Erik.” – Backcountry.com
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Erik Roner, who tragically passed away this morning in a skydiving accident in the Lake Tahoe area. His contribution to the sport of skiing is immeasurable, and he will be dearly missed by all of us.” – The Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP)
“Amazing souls both taken too soon. I found this photo I took of Erik Roner and Speedy Peterson a few years ago at the UOP. Sent chills up and down my spine but happy to know these two dudes are sharing a high five and watching over us all. RIP Roner.” – Rocky Maloney, Photographer
“Ouch… I’m really glad I had the pleasure to spend a week with Erik Roner and show him around my home area this past winter. We skied, climbed, fished, partied and much more. A quick way to get to know someone and I was impressed by him. He was a hard worker, real, super talented, and a real pleasure to be around. So sad to hear this news. RIP Roner. You are a legend.” – Colter Hinchliffe, Professional Skier
“Hero, inspiration, and all around great guy Erik Roner passed away today while skydiving in Lake Tahoe. And while the ski community, friends, and his beloved family grieve this immense loss, I know you’re already looking down at us with Shane, Coombs, Liz, And Rubber Ducky #RIP #SIP.” – Unofficial Networks
“Another dear friend taken far too soon. R.I.P. Erik Roner. When does it stop?” – Jeff Schmuck, Forecast Magazine Editor
“S saddened to hear about the passing of Erik Roner. He was always an awesome skier but his skier turned skydiver/BASE jumper, etc, really made him one of my heroes. Rest in Peace.” – LJ Strenio, Professional Skier
“So saddened to hear about Erik Roner passing away today. RIP Erik.” – Karl Fostvedt, Professional Skier
“Great memories had with a truly amazing human! Erik Roner I will miss you so much buddy, thanks for everything you did for me. You will always inspire me. A great father and husband and a true friend and mentor! Fly free bud…” – Ian Mcintosh, Professional Skier
“Erik Roner seemed the re-write the action sports hero in my mind. At first (just) a pro skier with a side job making it happen. He had an always approachable regular-kind-of guy attitude I will always strive for. Mixed with his nonchalance downright badass shenanigans, while exploding as a mainstream superstar to the world. I never would have guessed it. And he never lost that happy and humble person he always was. We will miss you dearly brother. #RIPRoner #legend.” – Dana Flahr, Professional Skier
“Today is a horrible day. But it’s Erik’s personality and adventures that we’ll always remember. Our love is with Erik Roner, his wife and kids, and everyone he inspired in his lifetime.” – High Fives Foundation
“Today I lost a great friend Erik Roner to a sky diving accident in Lake Tahoe. We ski bummed in Squaw together, learned how to over and under rotate backflips and most importantly, how to find a way to make skiing a job together. I went the route of a company, and he, well, he went the route of Legend. Erik put freeskiing in front of the world with his role in the Nitro Circus crew. No one would have ever believed such a humble, dare I say mellow, person like Erik would have ended up where he did entertaining the world with his antics and personality. I am so proud of what he accomplished and also so extremely saddened to learn of his passing. I wish his family and everyone in the Tahoe community our deepest condolences and support.” – 4FRNT Skis
“Such sad news to hear. I was lucky enough to have had the honor of working with Erik on a project last month. It’s terribly sad news to have a hero go so early. RIP Erik! Positive thoughts to you wife and kids.” – Brian Walker
“We could see your soul dancing all the way out here in Utah my friend. You lit up the sky tonight… We miss and love you more than you can imagine Erik Roner” – Dash Longe, Professional Skier
“Horrible to hear the news of Erik Roner’s passing… Such an amazing guy and an incredible athlete… My thoughts and prayers go to his family.” – Louie Vito, Professional Snowboarder
“We lost a member of our Nitro Circus family today. We are all heart broken and surprised to lose Erik Roner. We love you Rubs and are sending our best to Anika, Oskar, and Kasper.” – Chad Kagy, Professional BMX Cyclist
“I am saddened by the news of losing one of our Nitro brothers today. I’m gonna miss you Erik Roner. Just doesn’t seem real. I’m at a loss. Please pray for his family.” – Kenny Bartram, Professional Freestyle Motocross Athlete
“I had the pleasure of shredding the animal house with Erik Roner a few years back when nitro circus came to Greenville. So sad to hear he was in a tragic accident today. We’re praying for his family. Rest in peace Erik and thanks for putting it on the line every time you’ve entertained us.” – Dave Mirra, Professional BMX Cyclist
“I’m sadden by the news of Erik Roner passing today. He was a great guy, always positive and fun to work with. He’s going to be missed… RIP.” – Rick Kosick, Photographer
“Shred in peace Erik Roner. One of the most positive and inspirational people I’ve ever met! I remember growing up on your crazy segments in the TGR movies. Thank you for inspiring me and many generations of skiers to come. Rest in peace legend. #legend #rip #pioneer.” – Daniel Tisi, Professional Skier
“’Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a Ride!’ – Hunter S. Thompson | We lost a legend today. Erik Roner, may you rest in peace.” – Teton Gravity Research
“It’s with incredible sadness and a heavy heart to learn the news of Erik Roner’s death from a skydiving accident today. You were an inspiration to me and to so many and a dedicated and truly amazing father. You will be sorely missed by so many people. Annika, Kasper, and Oskar – you are in my thoughts and I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. It’s a very sad day.” – Mark Fisher, Photographer
“You were an inspiration in every way @erikroner #RonerVision #rubberneck.” – Grete Eliassen, Professional Skier
“Rest in peace Erik Roner! You were and always will be a legend in my eyes! Thanks for showing me and many others how to live life to the fullest and never live a boring life! You will be missed dearly! Sending prayers and thoughts to your family and friends!” – Aaron Blunck, Professional Skier
“Our Hearts are heavy from the passing of skiing legend Erik Roner, a man who dared to live his wildest dreams. RIP.” – Last Frontier Heli-Skiing
“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Erik Roner. We will sincerely miss Erik’s presence and our deepest sympathies are with his family.” – Squaw Valley / Alpine Meadows
“Awful news yesterday as we’re sad to hear of Erik Roner’s passing – our thoughts go out to his family and friends.” – Line Skis
“Erik Roner was a great athlete, friend and family man. Our thoughts are with the entire Roner family.” – Rockstar Energy Drink
“Missing you already Erik Roner – a good friend and inspiration to so many throughout this industry and beyond. Thoughts and prayers to your family and loved ones. Lucky to have known you and watched your growth and success-always humble, kind, and never without a smile. You’ll live on through so many that you touched and inspired.” – Level 1 Productions
“Sigh, haven’t been able to stop thinking about Erik Roner and his awesome wife and kids. My heart heaves heavily. #RIPRubberneck.” – Elyse Saugstad, Professional Skier
“It is so hard to hear this kind of news from my home town 🙁 All my love to my Squaw family and the Roner family…” – Julia Mancuso, Professional Skier
“Our condolences go out to the freeskiing community, family and friends of Erik Roner.” – X Games
“So saddened to hear about Erik Roner. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family tonight.” – Protect Our Winters
“Just heard the news about Erik Roner. My condolences to his family. A sweet, genuine human. RIP.” – Sal Masakela, Sports Commentator
“Our hearts go out to the family, friends & fans of Erik Roner, an incredible athlete who will be sorely missed.” – Liftopia
“Gutted here at FT about the passing of Erik Roner. Such a great guy and athlete.” – Full Tilt Boots
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Erik Roner, his family, and the whole Nitro Circus for their loss. Rest in peace Erik.” – Ethika
“Saddened to lose another member of the tribe far too soon. Watching friends squeeze the most out of life is a double edge sword; inspiring to see the accomplishments but tragic when it all slips away. So many things to learn from those leaving us while exploring their human potential. Rest in peace Erik you will be missed by many.” – Riley Poor, Filmmaker
“I was very lucky to travel the world with [Roner]. Roner was one of the best people to travel with. Calm, calculated and always down for anything. He brought an assurance to these trips that made any bad situation just fine. His humbleness made you forget how real-deal his actions truly were. I feel truly honored to call him a friend, and send all my love to Annika, Oskar and Kasper. A true professional in every sense of the word. We will miss you. R.I.P Rubbs! #erikroner #legend.” – Dylan Hood, Professional Skier
“I’m very upset to hear the news of a great loss of Erik Roner. Erik is not only the type of person that you aspire to be like on the talent side but more impressively as a friend and family man he was a true gentleman with a huge heart that he showed in his awesome smile. My heart goes out to his family…. Road2Recovery has set up a fund to help the Roner family in this time of need. The time is now if you ever were wondering how you could help give back to those who risk their lives for your entertainment.” – Bucky Lasek, Professional Skateboarder
As we continue to pay our respects to Erik, we’ve provided a few of his standout moments for you to enjoy. We hope you’re flying, wherever you are, Roner.
