Hunter James Jacketta

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Hunter James Jacketta on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026. Hunter was a young man who lived life on his own terms — full of grit, adventure, and an unmistakable love for everyone around him.

Hunter is the beloved son of Jimmy and Lori Jacketta, the twin brother of Brittney Kirby (Kyle), and the older brother of Derek Jacketta. Hunter was born March 24th, 1998. He grew up in Magna, Utah and was a third-generation graduate of Cyprus High School, where he played football and won the Lloyd Beck Leadership Award in 2014. He loved going to the Harrison Duck Club with his dad, chasing ducks in the marsh. He was quick to become a sharpshooter in order to hit the ducks before his dad. And when the snow fell, you couldn’t keep him off the snowmobiles out with his grandparents, and boy could he ride.

He wore many hats — a dedicated employee at UPS and a hardworking right-hand man for his dad at Seagull Diesel Parts — but out in the desert, on the back of his dirt bike, was where Hunter truly came alive. He had a passion for desert racing that matched his personality: fast, fearless, and free. Those who knew him knew that the open desert wasn’t just a hobby, it was home.

Hunter leaves behind a family, fiancé Brylie Hatch and her two little boys Kody and Zeegan, that love him deeply. As well as a community of racing friends who will carry his memory with them every time the dust kicks up on any single track or on a set of whoops out in the desert.

He is also survived by Blaine Olsen (Grandfather), Jim and Chris Jacketta (Grandparents), several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. Preceded in death by Judy Olsen (Grandmother) and Amity Jacketta (Aunt).

A viewing will be held on Friday April 17th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM as well as Saturday April 18th from 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Valley View Memorial Park 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT. Graveside services will follow at 11:00 AM at The Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, UT. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences with the Jacketta family during this time.

Ride on, Hunter.