The Speedy Foundation, INC.

Mission 

Suicide Prevention Through Mental Health Education & Action

We help people recognize when someone is struggling, respond with care, and connect with support. Through education, advocacy, and community partnerships, The Speedy Foundation turns awareness into action—and reminds people that with help comes hope.

Background 

Jeret “Speedy” Peterson was a three-time Olympian who grew up in Boise, Idaho, and later moved to Park City, Utah, to train with the U.S. Ski Team. He reached the highest levels of his sport, winning an Olympic silver medal in Vancouver in 2010 and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with his signature quintuple-twisting triple flip, “The Hurricane.”

Speedy was known for his generosity, outgoing personality, and deep care for others. He also experienced mental health challenges and struggled with substance use. In July 2011, he died by suicide at age 29.

That fall, his family and friends established The Speedy Foundation to honor his life and carry forward his passion for helping others. Their grief became a commitment: to make conversations about mental health more approachable, strengthen access to support, and help prevent other families and communities from experiencing similar loss.

Our Work 

In 2026, The Speedy Foundation marked 15 years of turning remembrance into action. Utah has been an important part of that work, with relationships rooted in Park City, the winter sports community, and a shared commitment to caring for one another.

Building skills and confidence

From 2015–2026, TSF has funded and facilitated over 60 in-person trainings in Utah with over 1,110 Utahans in mental health literacy. Mental Health First Aid and QPR suicide prevention courses alone represent 400+ hours of instruction and 7,000+ cumulative participant training hours. These programs help participants recognize warning signs, start supportive conversations, and connect people with appropriate resources.

Organizations and groups served have included:

• Winter sports: Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.

• Public safety and government: Cottonwood Heights Police Department, statewide 911 operators, Salt Lake County Criminal Justice Services, Salt Lake County Health Department, and Salt Lake County Division of Youth Services.

• Youth and community services: University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, Volunteers of America’s Homeless Youth Resource Center, Catholic Community Services’ Refugee Youth Program, Utah Pride Center, and Salt Lake City After School Programs.

• Mental health and recovery: Mental Health America of Utah, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, Davis Behavioral Health, Valley Behavioral Health, Steps Recovery, and First Step.

• Community organizations and faith groups: Latino Behavioral Services, Disability Law Center, Salt Lake County Housing Authority, and LDS Church groups.

Supporting communities after loss

TSF has provided postvention support following deaths of despair in the community, including support for Utah Olympic Park and USSA. Postvention means caring for people affected by a death while helping organizations respond thoughtfully, share resources, and support those who may be struggling.

This work recognizes that prevention includes showing up after a loss—making room for grief, strengthening connection, and helping people find support.

Carrying the work forward

TSF has always been small and nimble. We bring 15 years of experience to helping strengthen mental health education, develop prevention strategies, and prepare to support their communities through crisis and loss. In Utah, we continue to: 

• Provide free online mental health and on-demand trainings including naloxone and gun locks
• Provide pay-what-you-can virtual trainings and workshops
• Provide train and consulation to groups to support pervention, intervention, and postvention
• Fund Optum Salt Lake and Tooele County MHFA Trainings
• Collaborate with the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition and other nonprofits across the country

Speedy’s legacy lives on through every person who gains the confidence to ask a caring question, every organization that makes mental health a priority, and every connection that helps someone feel less alone.

Thank you for your generous support and for helping us turn education into action. With help comes hope!