Austin Hatch

TAustin Hatch’s story is one of tragedy, incomprehensible loss and triumph.

On Labor Day of 2003, he and his family were flying from northern Michigan to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. As they were preparing to land, the airplane crashed and burst into flames. Austin’s father threw him out of the plane and saved his life. His father went back into the flames to get his mom, Julie, sister, Lindsay, and brother, Ian, but tragically, was unable to. Austin’s mother, sister and brother did not survive.

Austin and his father grieved the loss of their family, but we found ways to keep living in the midst of the incomprehensible pain. They pushed each other to overcome, as they knew their family would’ve wanted.

Eventually, Austin’s father met a lovely woman named Kimberly, who had three kids of her own. They got married and together, with Austin, they had a great, blended family. Austin continued to work hard on his basketball skills and began to have success on the court. Austin’s dream was to play for the University of Michigan. On June 15, 2011, after a hugely successful high school career, Coach Beilein offered Austin a full scholarship to play basketball for him and the University of Michigan, which he accepted. It was a dream come true. Nine days later, on June 24th, 2011, Austin, his father, and “second mom” were flying to Northern Michigan to have a weekend of celebration. As they were prepared to land, the airplane crashed, and Austin’s father and second mom were killed on impact. Austin suffered severe injuries and was nearly killed himself. After being in a coma for over two months, Austin had to relearn how to walk, talk and basically how to live life. With the help of many incredible doctors, nurses, therapists, his family and friends, Austin found a way to make it to the University of Michigan.

Twelve years later, Austin is a graduate of The University of Michigan and a full-time motivational speaker with a message about Grit & Thriving in the midst of adversity.

His message is about the road to recovery from both plane crashes, but especially from the second one when he was almost killed. His journey from a coma, to a wheelchair, to playing for the University of Michigan can help others overcome and grow through any form of adversity. Challenges in life and in business are more similar than they are different. Adversity is adversity.