Who was Max?

     In the Summer of 2020, Max was having the time of his life. On July 14th, one week after his 17th Birthday, he went bridge jumping  with many of his best friends. He "missed" on a backflip he'd done successfully many times from atop the Reinig River Bridge. We lost him instantly. 

     Max grew up playing most sports, gravitating toward Ice Hockey and Lacrosse. He also loved Mountain Biking, Snowboarding, his family, his dog Howie and Ball Python Crosby (named after Sidney Crosby.)  But more than anything, he loved to spend time with friends.   He was known for being helpful, kind, extremely easy-going, and just a whole lot of fun, but this was not always the case. 

     As a Pre-teen, Max started experiencing Anxiety and OCD. This caused him (and us) much grief, because it was his nature to be fun-loving. It seemed to take forever to get accurately diagnosed, and even longer to find a Therapist he liked and trusted. The journey was worth it. At about 15, he was happy and comfortable in his own skin.  

     Max was incredibly open with everyone about his personal issues, well before they were resolved. It was his nature to try to help others by talking about his own problems. Many of his friends have come forward to share advice or encouragement that he gave them in their own struggles.  

     He also liked to help others lacking resources for things like sports equipment. Many times he asked to contribute to programs that benefited these athletes in need.

    Max was getting ready for his Senior Year at Liberty High School and planned to apply to Montana State University to study Psychology. He hoped to become a Therapist in order to help others experiencing some of the things he'd felt growing up. 

     His journey was long and at times painful, in part because finding help just wasn't easy.  This need, as well as Max's overall desire to help people, is at the core of the Max Hay Foundation. We know he would've had a direct impact on the lives of many.  It is our hope that in his honor, the Foundation can help achieve some of Max's goals.

     Thank you for taking the time to read about Max. He was a pretty great kid and there are a whole lot of people who will never forget him.