'Favorite' Chatham Snowboard Instructor Remembered By Community

CHATHAM, NJ — In the days after his sudden death, snowboarding instructor and Chatham native Sam Failla was remembered as a friendly and skilled instructor, beloved by students and coworkers alike.

"He was a favorite with the kids in the ski school and was adored by his coworkers and liked by all who knew him," Sally Walker Kelly wrote in a GoFundMe set up to off-set funeral costs for his family (more information on visitation times below). Failla was working as snowboarding instructor in Vail, Colorado at the local ski resort at the time of his death, where he worked with children learning to snowboard.

"He was one of my FAVORITE ski coaches. He smiled all the time. I miss him," a student wrote in a tribute.

Parents agreed, with one writing, "Nico loved skiing with Sam like all children in his Saturday group. I don't even know what to tell him before dropping him at the Devo program this Saturday. Only 2 short conversations with him were enough to understand why everybody loved him."

"I taught skiing with Sam in Vail and he was the most wonderful, kind-hearted, cheerful guy. All the kids loved him. All the instructors loved him. We will never forget him," coworker Elizabeth Chadderdon said.

• Read More: Beloved Snowboard Instructor From Chatham Killed While Skiing

Chatham residents shared fond memories of Failla growing up in the Borough.

"There are so many fond memories of the 'children' growing up together in the Boro. Sam was a wonderful, respectful and engaging person, always with a smile," Sonja Boyland wrote.

"It was our privilege to know Sam and to be his coach, friend and teammate. He was a special kid," Rick Ahsler said.

The communities in Chatham and Vail have supported the Fallia family with more than just words. In only two days, the GoFundMe surpassed its $50,000 goal, raising nearly $55,000. Funds not used for a funeral will be used to create a foundation "for under privileged kids to play the sports they love," the fundraiser says.

"This is all so overwhelming. I cannot put into words the sadness and pain we are feeling. Everyones generosity and the personal comments made are beyond touching," father Johnny Failla said. "We loved Sammy so much and he touched everyone in his own special way. Thanks to everyone for being a part of Sam's legacy."

According to news reports, Failla was separated from a friend while skiing Monday afternoon in the Colorado backcountry. His friend was found by a mountain rescue team and assumed Failla has returned home safely, only to discover that Failla was still missing Tuesday morning. Rescuers found Failla's body later that day, the Colorado Patch reported. More information on his death was not immediately available.

Failla is survived by his parents, John and Whitney Failla, and sisters, Alexandria and Ellie Failla, all of Chatham. Visitation will be held at Bradley & Sons Funeral Home (345 Main Street) in Chatham from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on February 14. A funeral will be held at Corpus Christi Church (234 Southern Boulevard) in Chatham at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 15.

The family asks that donations be made to the GoFundMe in lieu of flowers.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch