Cause of Death and Obituary for Jesse Hebenton, Calgary, Alberta

 Obituary and Cause of Death for Jesse Hebenton, Calgary, AB The outdoor and hiking community, especially those who have hiked the untamed splendor of the West Coast Trail (WCT), is in grief for Jesse Hebenton, who passed away in Calgary, Alberta. Those who knew him, both directly and through the thriving online and trail networks he helped create, are grieving quietly but deeply over his passing.

Jesse was more than simply another hiker; he was a storyteller, a creative, and a human link. Among his numerous accomplishments, he was most recognized for being the brains behind the WCT Slug, a witty and beloved trail symbol that made many hikers grin. His choice to give the Slug as a gift and let it circulate freely among the larger trail community says a lot about the kind of person he was: giving, modest, and incredibly outdoorsy.

For those unfamiliar, the West Coast Trail is one of Canada’s most iconic and arduous hiking trails, luring explorers from all over the world to the untamed, rain-soaked coastline of Vancouver Island. But what makes the path genuinely exceptional isn’t simply the terrain—it’s the community that surrounds it. That group was centered around Jesse, who brought comedy, wisdom, and a feeling of delight to everyone. Whether it was an internet message, some gear advice, or the straightforward allure of a cartoon slug, he had a talent for uniting people.

Many saw Jesse as a friend who brightened their hiking experience even though they had never met in person. His inventiveness was about connecting more than it was about art or design. In addition to the scenery, he found beauty in the people who were drawn to it. He made that group happy and provided them something to share with others or keep in their bags. With each sticker applied, each tale shared, and each hiker who experiences a sense of belonging on the WCT, that heritage will endure.

Those who knew Jesse intimately tell of his zeal, his thoughtfulness, and his humble spirit. He took a compassionate and inquisitive approach to life, frequently considering how he could share his creations as well as what he could produce. He just wanted to add something significant to a world that he obviously loved; he was not looking for attention.

The trail community is reminded that even in the immensity of the wilderness, it is the people—the generous, imaginative spirits like Jesse—who make the journey unique as tributes flood in from all over Canada and beyond.

Jesse Hebenton, may you rest in peace. Even though your tracks may disappear from the trail, you will always be remembered in the hearts of hikers, during every moment of laughing, and whenever someone spots a small cartoon slug on their equipment. I appreciate the happiness, the ingenuity, and the community you contributed to creating. We will miss you terribly.