Southington Native, 21, Dies While Hiking In Montana

SOUTHINGTON, CT/ PARK COUNTY, MONT. — A 21-year-old Southington native who developed a love of the outdoors at the Southington YMCA's Camp Sloper died last month after an apparent fall while hiking near Granite Peak in Montana, authorities and his family said.

Jackson Gregory Slimak, who was living in Bozeman, Montana, was reported overdue Aug. 24, prompting a large search involving agencies from Montana and Wyoming, along with military and aviation resources.

Search crews found Slimak dead at about 11:45 a.m. following the search, according to the Park County Sheriff's Office in Montana.

Authorities said his death appeared to have resulted from a fall. An autopsy was planned, and Park County is conducting the coroner's investigation because of where Slimak was found.

Slimak was born Feb. 23, 2005, in Southington to Michelle Beauregard and Gregory Slimak, according to his obituary.

"Although he was only given 21 years with us, he saw more of the world than most of us will ever see," his family wrote. "He was an explorer and adventurer."

Love Of The Outdoors Began In Southington

Slimak's connection to the outdoors began at a young age at YMCA Camp Sloper in Southington, first as a camper and later as a camp lifeguard.

As a teenager and young adult, that interest grew into exploring outdoor destinations around the world, according to his family.

"He passed doing what he loved, in a place he loved, the wilderness of Montana," his obituary said.

Slimak also enjoyed traveling and trying different foods.

His family described him as an avid gamer who particularly enjoyed Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars Commander, and Magic: The Gathering, including traveling internationally for tournaments.

"He was honest and forthright and did what he wanted," his family wrote. "He was silly and brought so much joy and laughter to his family."

Slimak is survived by his parents, Michelle Beauregard and Gregory Slimak; Matt Adkins; sisters Alexandra Jones, Lilianna McGue, Baileigh Adkins and Aria Adkins; and other relatives and friends.

His family plans to have him cremated, with a celebration of life scheduled for spring 2027.

Multi-Agency Search Launched

Stillwater County Sheriff's Dispatch received the report of an overdue hiker at about 7:40 p.m. Aug. 24.

Because the search area near Granite Peak was close to three county lines, numerous agencies joined the effort.

They included sheriff's offices and search-and-rescue teams from Stillwater, Carbon, Park and Gallatin counties in Montana, as well as Yellowstone County authorities.

Agencies from Park and Big Horn counties in Wyoming also participated.

The Montana Army National Guard, U.S. Air Force and Central Copters assisted in the search.

"We extend our condolences to the young man's family and friends," the Park County Sheriff's Office said.

Fundraisers Established

Slimak's family is asking those wishing to make memorial contributions to consider donating to the YMCA Camp Sloper Scholarship Fund through the Southington Community YMCA.

Donations by check can be sent to the Southington Community YMCA, 29 High St., Southington, CT 06489, care of Mark Pooler, with "IMO Jackson Slimak" included in the memo.

A separate GoFundMe has also been established to support the Slimak family as they grieve.

As of Wednesday, Sept. 2, the fundraiser had collected $1,190 toward a $10,000 goal.

"The funds raised will go toward helping the Slimak family through this challenging period, easing some of the burdens they may face while they focus on mourning Jackson and being together," the fundraiser's organizer wrote.

For the Slimak family GoFundMe page, click on this link.