Nicole "Niki" Choo

Nicole “Niki” Choo, 42, passed away tragically on February 17, 2026, following the devastating avalanche at Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada. Niki lived fully and fiercely, equally at home in a boardroom or on a mountain ridge. She was brilliant, driven, and endlessly curious, but what defined her most was the way she made people feel energized, included, and braver simply by being near her.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Niki attended Elmwood School and Ashbury College, thriving academically while spending every possible moment outdoors, swimming in Meech Lake, skiing at Camp Fortune, and guiding whitewater rafters down the Ottawa River as a teenager. Even then, she was drawn to movement, challenge, and wild places.

At the University of British Columbia, she studied Economics and raced with the Alpine Ski Team. She later earned an MBA from the Ivey Business School and she earned an Ed.M. (Master of Education) in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This grounded her sharp business instincts in a deep interest in human development and potential.

When serious injuries slowed her in 2020, her spirit never dimmed. During recovery, she and her partner, Jared Gentz, boldly planned a canoe trip from the Pacific to the Arctic Ocean, a journey as bold as it was symbolic. At its end, he proposed. They married the following summer in South Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the community she cherished.

Niki was a seeker, intellectually, spiritually, and physically. She read deeply, loved fiercely, and moved through life with audacity and grace. She borrowed hoodies, chased summits, built companies, championed others, and laughed often. Her energy was contagious and her smile unmistakable.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jared Gentz; her parents, David and Shanti Choo; her sister, Natalie; and their dog, Benson. She will be deeply missed by extended family and a vast circle of friends across Canada and the United States.

The family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love, messages, and support they have received. While they may not be able to respond personally to each note or call, please know how deeply your kindness is appreciated and how much it has meant during this time.

Niki showed us what it means to live awake, to lean into challenges, to protect wild places, and to build meaningful connections wherever you stand.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you can donate to WeGotNext:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/niki-choo

A celebration of life will be held on May 16 at Camp Fortune, Chelsea, Quebec.