The Ian Jenkins Big E Foundation

Is it possible to turn a tragedy into inspiration? We think so. Whether you knew Ian or just believe in his message join us in remembering him. All proceeds will benefit The Big E Foundation.

Ian Jenkins, considered one of the top 15-year-old goaltenders in the U.S., died May 23, 2011. Ian suffered a head injury when he fell out of the bed of a pickup truck and onto pavement in Milan on Thursday. He was transported to the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor.

Joel Jenkins, Ian’s father, said in a released statement: “We want to let everyone know that as he always did, Ian battled right up to the final buzzer, but he lost at 7:54 this morning. He will be missed. We thank everyone for everything they have done over the past few days.”

Ian's family sends their thanks to Huron Valley Ambulance and the U-M Trauma Burn Center for the care they have provided to Ian since Thursday. Also, special thanks goes to Ian's daytime nurse Jay -- as they couldn't have gotten through this without him.

Ian, a Milan High School sophomore from Ypsilanti, played hockey this past season for Belle Tire and previous seasons with Honeybaked. While on Honeybaked, his team won the 2010 USA Hockey National Championship. Ian was recently drafted by the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. He signed with the Knights on Wednesday and was supposed to attend the team's minicamp on Saturday.

Ian's dream was to make it to the highest levels of hockey and he did so last Wednesday when he signed with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. His family shares he had the happiest two weeks of his life leading up to that day and Ian's family 'team' were thrilled to be part of that.

We hope that everyone will keep Ian's siblings Lester, Garrett and Cassidy in your thoughts and prayers. They will carry on his legacy and will need love and support.

Ian's life motto was H.A.P. - Have a Purpose. He lived that way every day.