It is with heavy hearts that family and friends mourn the passing of Zachary Giles Wright, who died on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the age of 26.
The cause of his death was complications from a newly diagnosed case of Burkitt Lymphoma an aggressive form of cancer that, even at its first diagnosis, can rapidly become life-threatening.
Zach was born on January 22, 1999, in Murray, Utah, to Jeremy and Jennifer Wright. From an early age he was known for his adventurous spirit, love of nature, and an innate drive to explore first as a toddler reading stories to “Max,” his dog, and later as a passionate outdoorsman.
Having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2013, Zach carried forward his love for the outdoors into adulthood. He embraced many outdoor pursuits snowboarding, mountain biking, white‑water rafting, camping, off-roading, and motorbiking.
His career reflected that love: he worked as a whitewater guide, ski patrol, and in avalanche mitigation, guiding friends and family on adventurous outings and ensuring their safety.
But beyond his skills and his daring, Zach was deeply loved for who he was his warmth, his laughter, and his loyalty. He had an infectious sense of humor and a gift for friendship. He had a wide circle: among peers, older mentors, younger kids everyone who met him felt welcomed.
He was generous, always ready to help others, whether that meant fixing someone’s broken-down car, planning adventurous trips, or simply being there in a moment of need.
In 2017, he embarked on a mission with the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Oaxaca, Mexico where he served from November 2017 to November 2019 with zeal, optimism, and a genuine desire to serve.
It was during the summer after serving in California while selling solar that he met his partner, Annie Springhays. From that moment on, they were inseparable. They married on September 15, 2023, in the Bountiful Temple. Together they bought their first home in Thayne, Wyoming, and built a life anchored in shared dreams, love for the outdoors, and companionship.
Zach’s passing leaves behind a deeply grieving family: his beloved wife Annie; his parents, Jeremy and Jennifer; his siblings Anna, Griffin, Jane, Lincoln, and Talmage; grandparents; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and his loyal dog, Fridge. As one obituary poignantly phrased it: “losing Zachary is losing part of our hearts.”
The family expresses profound gratitude to the medical teams at Star Valley Hospital (Wyoming), Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (Idaho), and LDS Hospital (Utah) for their tireless efforts in caring for him during his brief and courageous fight.
Memorial services were held at the Sandy Utah West Stake Center of his church on May 30–31, 2025, with a funeral service on May 31. Zach will be laid to rest at Elysian Burial Gardens.
To honor his memory, loved ones have been invited to wear a color or accessory that reminds them of a special time shared with Zach.
And though he is gone, the memory of his laughter, wild adventures, unwavering kindness, and generous spirit lives on cherished by all who knew him. In his own words and deeds, he lived fully, loved deeply, and left an imprint on every heart he touched.
