Wolfeboro, NH Ski Instructor Luke Shapiro Dies Young After Selling His Skis to Afford Rent

He gained experience in customer service and operational management through seasonal work as a ski Technician with Ski Butlers in Aspen, Colorado.

January 8, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 8, 2026

Adaptive ski instructor Luke Shapiro passed away, leaving everyone devastated.

Luke Shapiro was a dedicated Life Skill Teaching Aide at Exeter Regional Cooperative High School, where he provided direct support to neurodivergent students and those with diverse educational and developmental needs.

In his role, Luke focused on fostering communication, social, vocational, and daily living skills, while implementing behavior intervention plans and ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.

With a degree in Human Services from Southern New Hampshire University, Luke’s reflected a deep dedication to creating inclusive and compassionate spaces for personal growth.

Luke also worked at Squamscott River Academy and Mount Prospect Academy, where he supported students with behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges in both educational and residential environments.

He also served as a Recovery Support Specialist at Green Mountain Treatment Center, administering medication, performing safety screenings, and maintaining secure treatment protocols.

Additionally, he gained experience in customer service and operational management through seasonal work as a ski Technician with Ski Butlers in Aspen, Colorado.

Luke’s professional skill set included Applied Behavior Analysis, Crisis Management, Special Education, Coaching, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and Medication Administration.

He had recently accepted a position at Crotched Mountain School, where he was set to support students with significant disabilities.

The previous year, financial circumstances : he sold his skis in order to afford rent.

He was not seeking direct assistance, but instead hoped to learn whether there were resources, programs, or community partnerships available that could help someone in his situation find the most affordable path back onto skis.

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Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Community Is Mourning The Loss Of Ski Instructor Luke Shapiro

As per the sources, Ski Instructor Luke Shapiro passed away in January 2026. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.

Patrick Myers, a graduate of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, took to his Facebook to announce the news.

There comes a point in everyone’s life where they meet a person for the first time, and simply say “Wow”. That was my first interaction with Luke Shapiro. Bold, authentic, unapologetically himself, very loud, honest, funny, caring, and the person you talk to when you need the straight answer for a risky question. Luke taught me many things through our years at EHS, including the “real” mountains to ski at around New England. But among the many lessons I was provided throughout these moments, the most valuable thing Luke taught me was to love those around you. To be yourself in an environment where you don’t care about others opinions. He more than anything loved the students he worked with. To be able to work, grow, develop, laugh, and even disagree alongside you was the ultimate privilege. Thank you for everything brother, I’ll take it from here. Rest in peace.

Kelly Desjardins, a behavior specialist at Exeter High School, took to the comment section and the loss of Luke.

And now I’m crying again. He taught us to be unapologetically ourselves and even in his absence, that will stay with us

Alysa Carr Franck sent to Luke’s family to stay strong.

I’m heartbroken as I know so many are. What’s left of my heart goes out to his mom and all those he leaves behind. What an absolute light in this world. I feel really blessed to have gotten to experience that light and sincerity. It was so refreshing to have someone speak so openly about his feelings. More than anything, Logan was so blessed to have him in his life. When I’d ask him who his best friend was, he’d say, “Luke”. And now I’m crying again. Sending up prayers for his family and friends and really anyone who knew him. 

Kevin Joyce, a guidance counselor at Exter High School, wrote,

This is so sad. My condolences to all who loved him and whose lives he touched.

Other close ones and relatives have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Luke’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.

Rest in Heaven, Luke Shapiro.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Luke Shapiro served as a youth counselor at the Mount Prospect Academy from August 2026 to February 2026.
  • He also served as a part-time Special Olympics coach.
  • Shapiro’s father taught him to ski and went on to race for the Kingswood ski team.

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Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

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