On June 6, 2025, Edina mourned 16-year-old Tighe Daniel Rogers, captain of the Alpine Ski Team, who lost his battle with glioblastoma.
His death has created a deep sadness for his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him.
However, his legacy of kindness, humor, and strength still shines brightly.
Born on June 30, 2008, to parents Brent Rogers and Tanya McTighe Rogers, Tighe grew up in Edina, Minnesota, alongside his younger siblings, Deacon and Elaina.
From an early age, Tighe stood out for his intelligence, humor, and infectious energy.
Rheannon Kelcher, the family’s longtime nanny, recalled meeting Tighe when he was just two years old, already speaking in full sentences and radiating a spark that was impossible to ignore.
“He was so smart, so aware, so funny—and he immediately had my heart,” she shared in a heartfelt tribute.
Tighe’s love for life was evident in everything he did. As a member of the Edina Alpine Ski Team, he wasn’t just a teammate but a leader, earning the role of captain through his dedication and camaraderie.
His teammates at Edina Alpine mourned his loss, stating,
Off the slopes, Tighe found joy at Braemar Golf Club, where he honed his golfing skills and created cherished memories with his team.
Tighe Was Diagnosed With Glioblastoma Just Ten Days Before His Passing
According to a CaringBridge post by his family, Tighe visited the Mayo Clinic on June 3, 2025, for a consultation with the Proton Radiation team.
Despite a long day of exams, he rallied to enjoy a swim and dinner with his parents and sister, Elaina, showing his strength even in the face of exhaustion.
However, the following morning, Tighe woke at 4 AM with a severe headache.
His parents rushed him to the Mayo Clinic’s ER, where imaging revealed devastating news: the tumor had grown significantly in just two weeks, pressing on critical areas of his brainstem and causing swelling and neurological challenges.
Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Children’s Minneapolis, Tighe fought bravely, but the tumor’s rapid progression proved insurmountable.
On June 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, Tighe passed away.
Many people have shown their love and support for Tighe and his family.
Tanya Rogers expressed appreciation on CaringBridge, writing,
“To our dear friends and family,
Via CaringBridge
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who participated in the candlelight vigil for our beloved Tighe. To have something so meaningful organized by his friends is beyond our comprehension.
Your gifts, prayers, and unwavering support mean the world to us. The love and kindness you’ve shown have brought us comfort and strength.
In honor of Tighe, we are planning a special celebration on his birthday, June 30th, at Braemar Golf Club, a place that held so many cherished memories for him as he learned to play and continued to share the joy of the game with his team. We will share more details soon, and we hope you can join us to celebrate Tighe’s life and the impact he had on all of us.
Thank you once again for being there for us. Your support is a reminder that we are not alone in this journey.”
The vigil highlighted Tighe’s impact, bringing together those who cherished him.
It offered comfort in their shared grief and invited the community to remember a young man who touched many lives.
People Who Knew Tighe Describe Him As An Outstanding Young Man
Rheannon Kelcher described him as fiercely loyal, with a dry sense of humor and a knack for making everyone feel seen.
“He was fiercely loyal, had a dry and hilarious sense of humor, and always looked out for Deacon and Elaina. I saw his love in action every day—like when he’d rush to get the boo-boo bunny when Elaina got hurt, or ask for just one more bedtime story. He had this special way of making everyone feel seen.
Via Facebook
This past Monday night, I gave Tighe a hug. I didn’t know it would be our last. I can still see his smile. I can still hear his smart remarks and his laugh. I’ll forever hold onto the memories, the sibling squabbles, the laughter, the late-night chats, and all the Tighisms that made him.
Rest peacefully, sweet Tighe. I love you. I’ll see you again one day.”
Jackie Affinito, a family friend, wrote,
“Very sorry for your loss. He was lucky to have such a sweet person like you in his life. He sounds like a remarkable young man who will be missed. Sending you lots of hugs and love.”
Via Facebook
Tighe’s ability to connect with people of all ages left a lasting impression, from his teammates on the ski slopes to the friends who gathered to honor him.
Tighe’s passing came just two days before Brain Cancer Awareness Day on June 8, 2025, a poignant reminder of the disease’s devastating impact.
Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, affects thousands each year, often with a rapid and unforgiving progression.
Tighe’s story has inspired those who knew him to advocate for increased research and awareness, ensuring that his legacy is filled with efforts to find better treatments and, one day, a cure.
Tighe Rogers’ death is a heartbreaking loss, but his life was proof of the power of love, laughter, and courage.
He was a son, a brother, a teammate, and a friend who lived fully in his 16 years, leaving behind memories that will last a lifetime.
As his family faces this unimaginable grief, they find comfort in the community’s support and the knowledge that Tighe’s light will continue to shine through the stories and love shared by those he touched.
So very sorry for the loss of such a brave and good soul, prayers 🙏 ❤️