The Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, community is mourning the loss of Luke Shapiro, a beloved paraeducator and adaptive ski instructor who passed away this week in an apparent suicide. He was a devoted son and friend whose life’s work centered on supporting students with disabilities and helping others discover confidence, joy, and independence.
Luke grew up in Wolfeboro, where his love for skiing began early. Taught by his father, he learned the sport with ease and went on to race for the Kingswood Ski Team. Skiing remained a defining part of his identity—not only as an athlete, but also as a teacher who believed the mountains should be accessible to everyone.
That belief shaped his professional path. Luke studied human services at Southern New Hampshire University, preparing for a career rooted in care, dignity, and advocacy. He brought those values to his role as a paraeducator in the life skills special education department at Exeter High School, where colleagues and families describe him as patient, kind, and deeply committed to his students’ growth. He took particular pride in teaching adaptive skiing through New Hampshire public school programs, meeting students where they were and helping them push beyond perceived limits.
Most recently, Luke had accepted a position at Crotched Mountain School, where he was set to support students with significant disabilities. Friends say he was excited for the opportunity—a reflection of his ongoing commitment to inclusion and meaningful service.
Those who knew Luke remember his steady presence, gentle humor, and the way he made people feel seen. On the slopes and in the classroom, he led with empathy and encouragement, celebrating small victories and fostering resilience. His impact will be felt in the confidence of the students he taught and the community he served.
As Wolfeboro and the broader New Hampshire community grieve, many are honoring Luke by recommitting to the values he lived by: compassion, accessibility, and care for one another. His life reminds us of the importance of checking in, offering support, and ensuring that those who give so much to others receive the care they deserve in return.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day. Reaching out can make a difference.
Luke Shapiro’s legacy endures in the lives he touched—on snow-covered trails, in classrooms, and in a community grateful for his heart and his work.
