Family and friends are raising money and showing support to the young widow of a Thayne man who unexpectedly passed away this week from cancer.

Zach Wright, 26, and his wife Annie Wright, 24, were recently married in September of 2023. They decided to move to Thayne roughly one year ago where Zach was working as a handyman doing odd jobs. He was also a member of the Star Valley Search & Rescue. Annie, among many other things, is currently serving as a member of the Thayne Town Council.

According to a family friend, last week Zach went to the doctor due to intense stomach pains. On Saturday he was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma. He and Annie immediately went to Salk Lake City to begin treatment. Doctors were initially hopefully on Sunday that the treatments, although difficult, would be effective. However on Monday, May 26 Zach’s body had a medical episode while in the hospital and he passed away.

A GoFundMe was originally set up to help the Wrights cover medical expenses as they have no health insurance. However, since Zach’s passing the fundraiser has turned into support for Annie and to help cover funeral expenses. As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe had raised $34,704. The fundraiser can be found by clicking here, or by visiting GoFundMe.com and searching for “Help Zach and Annie Through This Tough Time.”

“Annie volunteered to serve on the Town Council to fill our vacancy in January,” said Thayne Mayor Devin Simpson. “They were excited to be part of the community and were eager to get involved.”

In his obituary, Zach was described as someone who “had a lust for adventure and he was at home in nature. He loved everything outdoors, particularly snowboarding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, camping, motorbiking and off-roading. Zach was an adventurer and he loved to facilitate other people adventuring. His employment history included whitewater guide, Ski patrol, and avalanche mitigation. Zach planned trips with friends and family to great places that he wanted to experience, and he took care of details so the trips went off successfully and safely.”

Zach was an Eagle Scout and also served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexico Oaxaca mission.

The Star Valley Search and Rescue is also working on a fundraiser that will take place during their annual Ranch Rodeo on the 4th of July at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. In addition, anyone who would like to reach out to help Annie can contact family friend Sam Cottrell at (307) 368-0554.

Services will take place in Zach’s hometown of Sandy, Utah on Friday, May 30 and Saturday May 31.