Oak Simper, the 2-year-old son of legendary jockey Marty Simper and his wife Jodi, as well as the younger brother of their son Stihl Simper, has died following a tragic accident, his death sparking a massive wave of grief.
Oak’s death, announced through numerous social media postings, elicited numerous reactions from friends, family and the community.
They have been mourning their little dynamo who was a joy to their household, remembering him for the immense joy he brought to them even in his short period on this planet.
Who was Oak Simper, Marty, Jodi, and Stihl Simper, Utah Ranch Family Bereaved After Death of 2-year-old Oak in Accident
Oak Carter Simper was one of two children of legendary Elwood, Utah jockey, Marty Simper, and his wife Jodi.
Marty and Jodi welcomed two children, Stihl Simper, and Oak Simper, and had a beautiful family unit filled with love, joy, and daily delights.
Marty, well known for his ability to train horses and also take care of them, was famous for his videos shared on social media in which he gave tips on caring for and training horses.
Oak and Stilh were often featured in his videos.
Sadly, tragedy rocked this beautiful family unit with the reported death of Oak Simper in an unforeseen accident.
Details of the accident were not released by the family beyond the announcement of Oak’s tragic demise at only two years old.
The announcement of Elko’s death sparked a wave of tributes and condolences to the family, particularly from those also involved in a similar business.
Jolene Flint, who operates a similar business to Marty, wrote about how any parent in the business’s worst nightmare involves an accident such as the one that befell little Oak.
“This boy and his family have occupied my thoughts heavily since learning of the devastating news. This morning as I opened my eyes, my mind was flooded with them again. It occurred to me why we as a horse/ag/farming/ranching industry feel the loss of a child from one of our families, so deeply. As if it is our own child. It is because at any moment, no matter how safe we are, it could be our own. Every single day it isn’t, we are simply lucky,” she wrote.
“Sometimes we forget what a real and near possibility it is, but we are swiftly reminded when our child runs too close to a colt, slips but catches themselves on a tractor, drives a 4wheeler and hits a pivot track going way too fast, or gets bucked off….This way of life is beautiful, but it is hard and unforgiving, at times,” Jolene continued.
Leanna Lewis also shared a tribute for little Oak and sent love and support to the Simpers.
Sarah Clifford also added: “Oak is a blessed child who was lucky to have such parents and his great brother Stihl. He gave and received such life and joy and enriched the lives of everyone he met,”
Meanwhile, in order to raise some funds to help the family in this time of need, a Venmo account for Jodi was shared by several of those who shared a tribute.
Marty Simper
Marty Simper is a professional horse trainer and clinician whose legendary skills have led many horses and riders to win championships.
He runs his own enterprise, the Marty Simper Show Horses, and trains at Heritage Ranch & Stallion Station in Farr West Utah.
From Salt Lake City, Utah, he grew up in Elko, Nevada, and currently resides in Elwood, Utah.
Marty married Jodi Simper and they welcomed two children, Stihl and Oak Simper.
Oak, tragically died aged two following an accident.
His family are currently mourning him, stunned by the tragic turn of events but regaining comfort in the short but fulfilling time they had with their baby.
Little Oak will always be remembered – may he rest in peace.