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Remembering Dillon Ojo Seven Years Later

Originally posted on SNOWBOARDER | By Josh Sullivan | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 12:07 PM ET

On June 29, 2018, Dillon Ojo died in an accident at the age of 22. His mark on the snowboarding community, however, still lives on.

An obituary found online is short and to the point. It reads:

Dillon was an exceptionally talented snowboarder, with a style all his own. Dillon will be sadly missed by his soulmate Sarah Lessard; his loving parents Elaine Charles and Francis Ojo, his sister Chelsea; his grandmother Marian Charles; his aunts and uncles Ann-Louise (Daniel), Steve (Kris), Mike (Cindy), Vanessa (John), Nicky (Lawrence), James, his many cousins, the members of the Lessard family and his extended family (friends).

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dillon Ojo Lifeline Foundation, would be appreciated.

Ojo was one of the most charismatic and talented riders in snowboarding. Don’t take my word for it, that’s exactly what former Snowboarder Magazine Pat Bridges wrote in his tribute to Ojo in 2018.

He burst into the spotlight in 2011 when he won the pro division of the Ride Shakedown at only 16 years old. After than, he transitioned into the streets. His video parts in the Vans film Landline, Snowboarder Magazine’s Foreword, and a number of other films helped further showcase his unique riding approach, and huge personality.

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Beyond snowboarding, though, Ojo was fun-loving. He loved dogs, and talked about opening his own pizza shop one day. He would DJ at clubs in Montreal, and left a lasting impression on nearly everyone he came in contact with.

“More than a persona, today snowboarding lost a person, one who’s stoke and smile will be missed more than his skill or style,” Bridges wrote in 2018.

So many members of the snowboarding community have remembered Ojo since the day he died seven years ago today. Here are some of their words:

"Every once in a great while does a rider come along that sets trends, defies generations and influences people both inside and outside of the snowboard world. Dillon was one of those very few. He was a true original and his kindness, his spirit and his smile are constant thoughts of mine and forever will be. I cherish the time I got to spend with Dillon because it made me a better person and that is what living a full, whole, meaningful life is defined by." - Tom ‘T. Bird’ Montessori (in an interview for Ride)

"Dillion was and is one of the biggest inspirations for all of us (The Dustbox). On top of being one of all of our favorite snowboarders, we looked up to him for having a infectious positive attitude, amazing style, staying welcoming and open minded, doing what made him happy, the list goes on." - Reid Smith (in an interview for Ride)

“It is said the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long, such was the case for Dillon, but still shining as brightly as ever.” - Elaine Charles, Dillon’s mom.

"It’s absolutely mind boggling to me that someone so young and talented is gone. We love you Dillon, you are one of a kind, and there is no doubt that you will live in our memories forever." - Mike Yoshida

For a beautiful essay written in honor of remembering Ojo, read Keenan Cawley's essay in Torment Magazine here.