Drew Brian Hunter was a son, a fiance, a brother, a cousin, and a close friend to many. He loved his career as a pilot, and lived his life to the fullest.

Sadly, Drew's life was cut short in a whitewater kayaking accident on June 4, 2009.

Drew and Jenna were in Machu Picchu just a few days before his accident, and they talked about doing something “extraordinary” together.  That was Drew’s dream to fulfill in his lifetime.  When Drew passed, Jenna mentioned this to Brendan, Drew's life long friend, and wanted to fulfill this dream for him, while in the process promote kayak safety. 

Brendan and Jenna are trying to get some sort of positive out of this horrible tragedy, and to honor Drew in a way he would love.  Drew would want everyone to continue enjoying kayaking, and to understand that safety is a huge part of the sport. 

Drew was passionate for life.  Kayaking and snowboarding were some of his greatest passions.  Drew was a pilot, and commuted to work from Vail to Atlanta, Georgia, just so he and Jenna could live in the mountains together, and take advantage of everything Vail has to offer.  He absolutely LOVED Vail.

Brendan, Drew and Jenna grew up together in Marshfield, Massachusetts.  Brendan and Drew were like brothers.  They were best of friends from middle school on, and were eachother’s best kayaking buddy. 

Drew and Jenna graduated highschool in 1999 together, and reunited 3 years ago, while skiing in Vail.  The couple got engaged on Vail pass soon thereafter.  It was their love for the mountains that brought them together, and they were so excited to adventure here and live with that passion for life together forever. 

Brendan, Drew and Jenna always had a BLAST together.  They adventured, and enjoyed the mountain lifestyle to the fullest.  Best of friends.

It seemed natural for Brendan and Jenna to do the ride together.  They have  laughed, cried, and shared memories of Drew the entire ride.  They feel there is something about this adventure that helps the heart heal, while hoping to make a positive impact on kayaking and the excitement it offers, just as Drew would want.

The town of Vail has been absolutely amazing to all of the families and friends involved since the accident.  Everyone has really come together as a community and a strong sense of awareness has been brought out encouraging people to realize life is precious.  Everyone took Drew's parents, Gail and Jeremy, into their open arms and showed them another reason Drew chose Vail to be his home. 

Brendan and Jenna would like to send a special thank you to Troy's Bike Shop for shipping our bikes to Astoria, Oregon, as a gift to the Tour de Hunter.  This gift made the beginning of their adventure smooth sailing!

Brendan and Jenna hope to promote kayak and whitewater safety and awareness using donations made to the Tour de Hunter.  As Drew would want, they wish to encourage kayakers to always enjoy this exciting sport, keeping in mind that accidents do happen, and safety skills may save another kayaker's life. 

The planned 5000 mile route encompasses two well-known bicycle routes known as the Trans-America Trail and the Atlantic Coast Route. The will begin their journey with their back tires dipped in the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, Oregon.  Along the way, they will connect Drew's final home of Vail, Colorado with his hometown of Marshfield, Massachusetts.

 


"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us along our journey, as we honor our loved one, Drew Hunter.  Everyone's encouragment, guidance, and love has pulled us through and keeps us motivated to make the Tour de Hunter a success that will spread not only throughout the Vail Valley, but however far the donations allow us to go!"  ~Jenna Seoane and Brendan Cohen