By Jackson Adams TVN Staff - Dec 7, 2016
Heidi Hochstrasser passed away athe age of 29 this week following an auto accident on Ski Hill Road.
There will be an event this Sunday to remember a young Driggs woman who died in an accident early Sunday evening on Ski Hill Road.
Heidi L. Hochstrasser, 29, was driving her silver Toyota 4Runner on Ski Hill Road near Pioneer Trail Road, about a quarter mile past the Idaho state line, at around 5 p.m.
The 4Runner lost control, sliding into the oncoming lane, where it was struck on the passenger side by a red Ford F250 pickup, which was carrying two passengers, who were unhurt. Both vehicles were, according to witnesses, travelling below the speed limit when the collision occurred.
Despite having her seat belt on, Hochstrasser sustained serious injuries and was taken to Teton Valley Hospital and later transported to EIRMC, where she passed away.
Hochstrasser was an avid climber who coached and taught at the Teton Rock Gym in Driggs. She studied biology at UC Santa Cruz and had moved to the valley several years ago.
There will be celebration of Heidi's life this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Senior Center in the Driggs City Building. All are welcome. Call Pastor Karlin Bilcher, (208) 270-7507, with questions.
Community shares thoughts and feelings about Heidi Hochstrasser
If you would like to share your pictures or memories of Heidi, please send them to editor@tetonvalleynews.net.
Sweet Heidi, Rest in Peace. You were a bright light that was taken away before your time. We are overcome with grief and sadness in losing you. You were a gifted coach, mentor and friend to my son and to so many other kids. As a mother, I will be forever grateful. You will be greatly missed and we treasure your memory always and forever.
Our deepest sympathy to your family, Jacob, and your Teton Rock Gym family.
Diane, Roy and River Temple
Such a tragic accident and just want the family to know a lot of people who didn't even know her are thinking of her and her family at this time. Sending our best from the Frye family! Stay strong.
Chris Frye
I just heard about Heidi's death and I am so shocked and sad. She and I met two years ago, both of us from California and both of us had moved here with our boyfriends. Jacob, her boyfriend, and her were helping with the start of the rock climbing gym in Driggs and I also became involved with my boyfriend. Shortly after knowing her, she invited me over to bake bread and I'll never forget the passion that was Heidi in the kitchen. She came from a biology background at UC Santa Cruz and was able to explain to me the step by step process of baking bread, in a way that was interesting. We had other culinary adventures together, from fermenting Kimchi to a Russian themed dinner party, cooking many Russian delicacies I'd never heard of. She recommended Ruth Reichl's books on cooking and baking and instilled in me an appreciation for creating great food and sharing it with great people. We bonded over a shared favorite book, West with the Night, which no one I'd met had read before, and we talked about the joys and insecurities about being in your 20's. After leaving my job at the rock gym, I would see her less often but she would always give me a big hug whenever we saw one another. I worked with her many times in catering for Bill Boney's Dine In Catering this past summer and she was the person on the team that everyone could depend on and who was simply fun to be around. She had passion for life, in whatever activity she chose. I can't believe this has happened and I know that so many people feel an immense loss from her absence.
-Kelsey Tyler
I wish I had better words for this.
Heidi was such a perfect role model for my daughters. She was able to grant them the gifts of confidence control and determination in ways that embodied kindness patience, and love. A tough combo to achieve.
A climbing instructor by title only, one of the best teachers of life in the real way.
Missed but never forgotten.
Thank you
Scoop Carlson
- From Lucy Carlson
- From Jude Carlson
- From Ada Carlson
Heidi was an amazing coach and friend to me and everyone around her. She got me into competing in climbing and was always super supportive, whether I got first or last place. Heidi was super patient, and was an amazingly kind and thoughtful person. She worked tirelessly and poured so much effort into the climbing team, and I really appreciate that. She was a wonderful teacher, and I probably wouldn’t be as good of a climber as I am today without her. I miss her so much, and I’m glad that Heidi was a part of my life. I will remember her and her spirit every time I go climbing.
Sincerely,
Sofia Carlson
Updated Dec. 8 - 9:39 a.m.
Memory of Heidi Hochstrasser, who passed away recently:
"Heidi, I can't believe this. You were such a dear friend to me when we were young. I have so many good, vivid memories of our time together. You helped shape me as a person. When I think back to the times in my life that I had the most fun, I remember an evening when we played in the large grass piles on White Hill Middle School's lawn with your brothers. We bonded over our love of The Beatles, would have sleepovers, take baths together and give each other back rubs. We loved playing with your playmobiles, your hamster, dog and a awesome early 90s text computer game where you got to be a princess.
My sister passed away in the Oakland fire on Friday, so if you see her could you please tell her I love her. Thank you."
Sabrina May Dolan
Just a few days before I remember watching you teach these two kids at the climbing gym...you were all laughing and joking around. I remember just watching made me smile and laugh too. I remember thinking how genuine you are. I'm so sorry you left so soon. It's hard to believe how fragile and fleeting life can be. Sending all my love to you and your loved ones.
Marinna Elinski
Heidi was a graceful role model, passionate, and caring. (Which we will see when all of the bulbs she planted this fall grow next Spring.) I am so grateful for the time we had and know that her impact on my family and our community is monumental.
Wendy Kincaid