‘A remarkable young man’: Teen killed in American Fork Canyon crash remembered as a talented shining light
-
- An undated photo shows Noah Scribner with his partner Ella Ricks during a ballroom dancing competition.
-
- Noah Scribner is pictured in an undated photo. Scribner was killed after a motorcycle crash in American Fork Canyon on Monday, May 13, 2025.
-
- An undated photo shows Noah Scribner with his partner Ella Ricks during a Latin dance competition.
-
- In undated photo, Noah Scribner, left, poses for a picture with Brittney Wakefield, center, and his brother Aaron, right, after a dance competition in which they both competed.
-
- An undated photo shows Noah Scribner during a dance competition.
-
- An undated photo shows Noah Scribner with Julie Peterson, a BYU Youth Dancesport faculty member.
Noah Scribner was preparing to graduate from Timpanogos High School next week, and would soon head off to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — but on Monday his life was cut short after a fatal crash in American Fork Canyon.
According to Utah Highway Patrol, at around 2:09 p.m. the 17-year-old was riding a motorcycle traveling west on state Route 92 when he lost control while rounding a corner, causing him to veer off the road and crash. The front wheel of the bike came off and Scribner sustained serious injuries. First responders who arrived worked to render life saving measures, but he died at the scene, UHP said.
In a GoFundMe account set up to raise money for funeral costs, Scribner’s family described him as a “cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend who brought so much love and laughter into their lives.”
The loss of Scribner is not only being felt by his relatives and loved ones, those who knew him best at school are also remembering his infectious personality and desires to serve.
Robyn Bretzing teaches physical education at Timpanogos High School and was Scribner’s leadership advisor in the school’s PACK program.
Bretzing said several of his siblings and relatives also attended Timpanogos High so she’s pretty familiar with their family. But she enjoyed getting to know Scribner over the past three years.
“Noah was a remarkable young man,” she told the Daily Herald. “He had such a fun personality and really engaged with other students on our team and throughout the school. You would always see him walking down the hall saying hi to people, even if he didn’t know them, he wanted to make sure they felt noticed and accepted.”
Beyond the classroom and the hallways, his loves says Scribner loved ballroom dancing, enjoyed working on cars, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
“I loved the way that he used his talents to make friends and make connections for life,” Bretzing said.
Those lifelong connections include fellow dancers and faculty members at the BYU Youth Dancesport Program, with which he honed his craft as a dancer, according to Director Brittney Wakefield.
She recalled meeting Scribner at a young age but said he had more passion than most dancers twice his age. Then working with him over the years to help pursue his dancing dreams.
In a statement sent to the Daily Herald, BYU Youth Dancesport faculty member Julie Petersen recounted a memory from a dance competition when he was ten years old. He had become nauseous and she worried that he may need someone to replace him.
“But Noah was determined to be a team player and told me he could do it. Right before the team went on to the floor, he was sick in a nearby trash can. Not one minute later, he lined up, put a smile on his face and danced like nothing had happened. What I love most about Noah is that he was all in no matter what and he just loved to dance,” Petersen said.
Wakefield said though his time on earth was limited, his memory and spirit will be forever cherished.
“Noah and the Scribner family have been members of the BYU Youth Dancesport Community for the better part of a decade. He was one of the most hard working, devoted and passionate dancers I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. His zest and enthusiasm for all he did will be missed tremendously,” she added in the statement.
BYU Youth Dancesport has planned a candlelight vigil in Scribner’s honor for 8 p.m. Thursday to be held at 1697 N. 320 West in Orem.
At Timpanogos High School, the feeling has been somber in the days since Scribner’s passing and Bretzing said she and others were devastated by the news and still reeling with the loss. In the wake of this fatal incident, the Alpine School District has made counseling sessions available to those at the school who want it.
“When tragic events happen, we make sure students have resources, and our professionals are ready to provide that support. It is something we do very well, even though the need presents itself at the most difficult times,” Rich Stowell, communications director for Alpine School District, said in a statement.
Bretzing said she’ll remember Scribner for his big heart and kindness toward others.
“I don’t think he even realized the impact he had and many students are starting to realize the influence that he had on so many just because of who he was,” she said.
As of Wednesday, the crash was still under investigation, UHP said.
