Astronaut recalls Max Meyer as special soul with dream

He helped shape the late Max Meyer’s dream to go to space — now the NASA astronaut has spoken out about the ‘special soul’ who tragically lost his life in an Austrian avalanche last week.

NASA Astronaut Gregg Chamitoff with International Grammar student Max Meyer in 2017. Picture: John Appleyard.

• Tragic story of bright teen with a big future
• Max Meyer’s avalanche death was ‘triggered by rescue attempt’

HE helped shape the late Max Meyer’s dream to go to space — now the NASA astronaut has spoken out about the ‘special soul’ who tragically lost his life last week.

Despite meeting students across the world, astronaut Gregory Chamitoff said he remembered Max very well after meeting the 16-year-old at International Grammar School last year.

“He was a very passionate young man,” Professor Chamitoff said.

“On rare occasions you come across a student who has a special spark that really shines, and you can tell that they really do have the potential to achieve their dreams.

“Max was one of these special souls, and I am so sad to hear of his loss.

“My heart goes out to his parents, family and friends.”

NASA Astronaut Gregg Chamitoff with Max Meyer. Picture: John Appleyard.

Max’s dream was cut short last week, when he tragically lost his life.

He was holidaying in Austria with his parents and younger brother, when an avalanche hit St Anton in Arlberg on Wednesday. Max was skiing with his family at the time of the accident.

The school’s principal, Shauna Colnan said it was with deep sadness that she informed the school community that one of their students had died.

“Max Meyer, 16, was about to enter Year 11, and his life has tragically been cut short,” she said.

“I have spoken with Max’s father and have extended my deepest condolences on behalf of the IGS school community, and offered the family all of our support.

“We will continue to support the family through the coming days and beyond.

“I have also advised our school community that if they need support, they can reach out to our counsellors and to senior staff and me for help.”

When speaking with Central in May last year, Max spoke of his greatest passion — space.

“I just want to get into space, it’s the dream,” Max said. “I always knew I liked science but when I went to space camp last year, I thought, why can’t I do that?

“Even if I don’t get there, there are so many jobs where you can impact on an international level.”

Despite meeting students across the world, astronaut Gregory Chamitoff said he remembered Max very well. Picture: John Appleyard.

Max recently went on a two-week space camp to Houston and Huntsville with his classmates, where he explored rockets, old and new control centres and took a tour of NASA facilities.

Max said he had ambitions to study astrophysics and aeronautical engineering and hoped to one day work at the European Space Agency.

Tributes have flowed for Max, including from his school friends. He was known by classmates for his zeal when it came to extra-curricular exploits including the robotics club, with whom he went on a field trip to NASA in 2017.

“He was an absolute buzz to be around and so smart, especially in languages,” Hugh McIntyre said. “He was always first to participate in initiatives at school and always striving to be more involved. Absolutely heartbreaking. He will be missed by all of his peers.”

His family are in Austria preparing to bring Max’s body home.