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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Family and friends are still in shock after an 18-year-old Yellowknife resident died Thursday evening, three days after fracturing his skull in a skateboarding accident on the McMahon Frame Lake Trail.

Josh Hardy, 18, died in an Edmonton hospital Thursday after sustaining head injuries in a skateboarding accident on the McMahon Frame Lake Trail on July 23. A celebration of his life will be held in Yellowknife at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at the NWT SPCA in his name. - photo courtesy of Lindsay Adams Photography

Josh Hardy was riding his longboard ­ a longer type of skateboard commonly used for cruising or downhill racing -- when he lost control and hit his head July 23. He was taken by ambulance to Stanton Territorial Hospital, and then medevaced to Edmonton that same day. Hardy wasn't wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Hardy's parents Jackie and Edward were in Edmonton on holidays when the call came from the RCMP.

"We were planning on driving back up (to Yellowknife) when the call came in," said Jackie on Friday.

"In a way it's a blessing (that we were here), because my family is here and everyone is here to support us."

After a few hours of waiting for Josh to arrive, Jackie and Edward spoke with the doctor who explained that their son had severe swelling of the brain and they had to operate to reduce the swelling.

"Unfortunately, it was just too far gone," Jackie said.

"We hoped and prayed, he was a strong kid ... but it just wasn't meant to be. He wasn't wearing a helmet and we believe that it could have prevented this accident all together. It's so so important (to wear a helmet)."

"This is the second tragedy this year. My sister lost her son Tyler who was 23 and died in a workplace accident in November. So we just went through this."

The lead singer of Cherry Valance, a Yellowknife rock band, a track star throughout high school, and the proud owner of a red PT Cruiser, Josh worked at Coyotes Bar and Grill full-time as a prep cook. He was finishing up his Grade 12 diploma and was planning a career in financial management, said his mother.

"He's family, everyone that works here for a long time becomes family," said Edward But, owner of Coyotes Bar and Grill.

"Josh started out as a dishwasher, but we quickly realized that he had a passion for food, so we started training him as a prep cook and line cook."

Josh's presence in the restaurant is already missed by his co-workers, But said.

A Facebook page, "Gentle, positive and healing thoughts for Josh Hardy," which as of Friday had 1,220 members, has been created for those who knew and loved Josh to express their condolences and share their favourite moments.

"Facebook brings us some amazing stories from his friends, teachers and others. We all are learning just how this young man has touch the lives of others," Edward stated in a e-mail Friday.

Scott Roos, Josh's music teacher at St. Patrick High School, took the time to reflect on "an amazing, talent musician."

"He was a joy to teach. He was a kind, gentle individual and easy to get a long with," Roos said.

"He had an infectious smile and a great sense of humour. He is really going to be missed. My heart goes out to the Hardy family."

Josh's final wishes were to donate his organs, a wish he had told his brother Matthew in confidence should anything happen to him.

The family was in meetings with the HOPE foundation to ensure that Josh's wishes are kept.

"The miracle we hope for will now be provided to many others through our son and as we prayed for a better outcome we now find comfort in knowing how the life of others could be changed, this my even include someone from the north," Edward stated.

As the family ­ his parents, brothers Matthew, 21, and Aaron, 14 -- deal with their grief, Josh will be remembered as an "athletic, funny, intelligent, physics wiz, and just an amazing kid," said Jackie.

A funeral will be held in Edmonton later week, and a celebration of life will be scheduled for friends in Yellowknife when the family return in the coming weeks. The family is asking in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the NWT SPCA in his name.

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