Jay Patrick Trebelhorn

Jay Patrick Trebelhorn, age 39, a resident of Idaho Springs, Colorado, passed away on December 20, 2025. Jay was born on April 17, 1986 in Alexandria, Minnesota to Colleen (O’Brien) and Mark Trebelhorn. He was the oldest of three children.

Jay graduated with the class of 2005 from Jefferson High School in Alexandria. Jay attended and graduated from Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado, with a B.A. in Recreation and Outdoor Education.

While growing up, Jay loved the lakes in Alexandria, he began each summer day with a plunge in the lake. It was always his goal to take the first swim of the season on his birthday. Of course, in Minnesota the lakes are often ice covered in April. He learned to waterski at age four, and became an accomplished wakeboarder, competing in the U.S. Nationals.

After graduating college Jay was a peer specialist at Creative Treatment Options, a climbing instructor at The Phoenix, and was currently employed at Loveland Ski Resort in security.

Jay was an avid outdoorsman, the mountains were his playground. His free time was spent rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and mountaineering. A passionate mountaineer, he climbed all 50+ of Colorado’s 14’ers, many of them more than once. It was his joy to lead friends and family on any outdoor adventure.

Jay was a kind, funny, patient, and loving son, brother, and friend. Jay died from an accidental overdose. He was hopeful, deeply loved, and looking forward to the future. His passing reminds us that mental health and addiction struggles can exist even when someone seems to be doing well. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Dorothy O’Brien, Otto and Ann Trebelhorn uncles, Willy O’Brien, Charlie Thomes, and Bob Trebelhorn.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents Mark and Colleen Trebelhorn of Alexandria, MN, brother Jack (Niki) of Royal Oak, Michigan, sister Annie of Loveland, Colorado, and his beloved “pups”, Eezie and Jodi. Jay is also survived by Grandma Clara Trebelhorn, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Phoenix in Jay’s memory. www.thephoenix.org