The Tinch family, from Lexington, Kentucky, is mourning the loss of their 19-year-old son, Noah, who passed away on June 12, 2025, just before his birthday.
The tragedy occurred while Noah was fly fishing in Grand Mesa, Colorado, a passion that defined much of his vibrant life.
His parents, Brett and Angie Tinch, are at the heart of this story, not only as grieving parents but as pillars of a community that loved Noah dearly.
Noah was born on June 13, 2006, to Brett and Angie Tinch.
The family was in Colorado to help Angie’s parents prepare their cabin for sale. During this trip, Noah wanted to share his love for fly fishing with his mother.
On their second day at Sunset Lake near Mesa, Colorado, tragedy struck. Angie found Noah unresponsive in less than three feet of water.
She performed CPR until emergency crews arrived, but despite their efforts, Noah was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office reported that a 911 text alerted them to a medical emergency at 5 p.m. on June 12.
Brett Tinch shared that an autopsy revealed Noah had suffered a head injury and drowned.
The family believes Noah may have lost his balance while trying to retrieve a tangled fishing fly, leading to the accident.
Brett told the Herald-Leader.
““He had just passed his lifeguard test and was working at Tates Creek’s pool. And he and I had just gotten back from Brevard (North Carolina), where we had an epic day of fly fishing, He was the best fly fisher I’ve ever seen. … As hard as he worked at soccer, he would cast in our driveway for hours. He won science fairs with fly fishing projects. He loved it.”
Via Herald-Leader
Noah’s Parents: Brett and Angie Tinch
Brett Tinch, Noah’s father, is a senior mortgage consultant at Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC, and a former Marine Corps member.
He shared the heartbreaking news of Noah’s passing on Facebook, writing,
His words show a father’s deep pride and love for a son who touched the lives of many.
Angie Cruse Tinch, Noah’s mother, is the CEO of Special Olympics Kentucky and serves on the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council.
Her strength and compassion were evident as she tried to save her son’s life by performing CPR.
Angie’s dedication to community service mirrors the values she and Brett established in Noah, who grew up to be a generous and caring young man.
Together, Brett and Angie raised Noah and his older sister, Zoe, in a home filled with love, support, and a passion for giving back.
Zoe, a graduate of the University of Louisville, currently works as a camp counselor at the Kentucky Science Center.
The Tinch family’s close-knit bond and commitment to their community have left a lasting impact on those around them.
Noah was a rising sophomore at the University of Kentucky, majoring in kinesiology and a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
His fraternity brothers expressed their grief, stating,
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our brother Noah Tinch. Noah lit up any room he walked in to and impacted every person he interacted with. He was one of the nicest, most amazing, and enjoyable person we had ever met. He spoke highly of everyone and spoke badly on nobody. His character mirrored what we all strive to be. If you knew him, you would agree. We are all shocked by the news and invite everyone to pray for the Tinch family. Rest in Peace, you will be missed ❤️”
Via Instagram
This heartfelt tribute captures Noah’s ability to make everyone feel valued and respected.
Before college, Noah was a 2024 graduate of Henry Clay High School in Lexington, where he excelled as a soccer and football player for the Blue Devils.
In 2023, he earned an all-city honorable mention as a soccer player and played for teams such as Lexington Sporting Club and Cincinnati United Premier Development Academy.
His soccer coach described him as a “Gentle Giant,” a defender on the field and a protector of others in life.
Noah’s love for soccer developed beyond playing.
During his senior year, he started a GoFundMe to help underprivileged children attend soccer camps at Henry Clay and Paul Laurence Dunbar High Schools.
“I have been blessed to have had a successful soccer career,” Noah wrote. “I wanted to find a way to give back to the soccer community that has continually supported me.”
His initiative was so impactful that Henry Clay’s soccer team continued it after his graduation.
Fly fishing was more than a hobby for Noah—it was a passion that defined him.
Brett shared that he and Noah had recently returned from an “epic day” of fly fishing in Brevard, North Carolina.
Noah’s dedication to the sport was evident in the hours he spent practicing casts in their driveway and creating fly fishing projects for science fairs.
His skill and enthusiasm made him stand out, even among seasoned anglers.
After Noah’s Passing, The Lexington Community And Others Have Come Together To Support The Tinch family
Julie Melloan, a family friend, launched a GoFundMe campaign with a $35,000 goal to ease the family’s financial burden.
The campaign’s message reads, “Noah was a beloved son, brother, and friend to so many. To know the Tinch family is to love them! Their family personifies kindness, generosity, inclusion, compassion, and love. Noah put an exclamation point on each of these characteristics and more.”
The Noah Tinch Legacy Fund aims to honor Noah’s spirit of giving.
The campaign describes him as a “gifted athlete and natural leader” who was a friend to all and a fierce protector.
Contributions to the fund will help carry forward Noah’s legacy of kindness and community support.
Noah Tinch’s life was tragically short, but his impact was profound. His parents, Brett and Angie, raised a son who embodied their values of compassion, generosity, and leadership.
From his dedication to soccer and fly fishing to his efforts to uplift others, Noah left an indelible mark on his community.
As Lexington mourns the loss of this amazing young man, the Tinch family’s strength and love continue to inspire those around them.
The outpouring of support, from heartfelt tributes by Noah’s fraternity brothers to the community’s efforts to honor his legacy, shows just how deeply he was loved.
Noah’s memory will live on through the lives he touched and the kindness he shared.
For those who wish to support the Tinch family, contributions can be made to the Noah Tinch Legacy Fund, ensuring that Noah’s spirit of generosity endures.
Rest Easy, Noah
