Tahner Forsyth

At just 30-years-old, Tahner Forsyth had his whole life in front of him. As a chef first on a cruise ship and most recently at a senior living community in Longmont, CO, Tahner was loved by his coworkers and the residents, and he was adored by his younger brother.

On Sunday afternoon, December 18 at 3:35, Tahner went on his break and never returned to work. Moments after leaving the parking lot, Tahner was hit by a drunk driver causing catastrophic brain and spinal injuries. Tahner’s body is broken and his brain has died. Today we began the process of organ donation as Tahner continues to bless others with his generosity. In the next 24-48 hours, after recipients are identified, Tahner will be celebrated at the hospital with an Honor Walk as we escort him to the OR where his journey will end and where untold others’ will begin.

This life was not easy for Tahner and his brother. Orphaned as teenagers they first lost their father unexpectedly followed just a couple of years later by their mother. Taken in by their maternal grandmother, Tahner and his brother had a remarkable bond born not just of blood but of tragedy the likes of which most of us cannot begin to comprehend. They were inseparable and were roommates until a few weeks ago when Tahner moved in with their “Nanny” to be her caregiver due to declining health.

Now we are focused on the family’s immediate needs. Tahner did not have health insurance. After the organ donation process is complete and the coroner conducts the necessary investigation for legal proceedings, Tahner will be cremated. Any funds raised will be used to cover this and associated costs (approximately $2,000). Any additional funds will be donated to Tahner’s brother as he begins the healing process once again - a cycle he is all too familiar with. These additional donations will allow Tahner’s brother to use FMLA (unpaid leave) without worrying about his own financial responsibilities as he works through the shock of losing his brother.

We know there other hurdles ahead, but right now we are taking one baby step at a time through this unimaginable grief.

As a side note, those who know and love Tahner will undoubtedly notice this is not the most updated photo of him. It turns out he really loved taking photos of the dishes he created far more than he did snapping a selfie.

On behalf of Tahner’s family, thank you.

Kelly