Austin Jay Wilson

Our sweet Austin Jay Wilson passed away on September 27, 2024, surrounded by loved ones following a car accident in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on April 28, 1999, and was raised by loving parents Andrea Wilson, William Olsen, and Connor Wilson along with grandparents Kendall and Cristina Sommer.

Austin grew up in Rexburg, Idaho, until he was 12 years old. After that, he resided in Rigby, Idaho, with his family for the remainder of his childhood years. He was a bit of a wanderer until he planted himself in Utah in the fall of 2020, where he lived with Aunt Cala and then with a group of good friends that he had way too much fun with. He spent the next two summers working at the FireHole (best BBQ ever “PROVE ME WRONG!”) in West Yellowstone. While working in West, he met a special girl, and in true Austin fashion, followed her across the country to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he lived the rest of his life. He made life-long connections with people in every place he lived and worked.

Austin graduated from Rigby High School in 2017. There, he played soccer, baseball, and rugby. He also took a CNA class in high school, which is where he developed his love for caring for others. That trait continued and grew his whole life. His most recent job was at an assisted living center, where he bonded with and cared for residents nearing the end of their lives. The residents loved him, and he received several cards from families thanking him for his tender care. Even in death, Austin continued to care and give life through organ donation.

Growing up, Austin was adored by all – his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and basically anyone who met him. He was the cutest and most loveable kid. Like many little boys, he loved playing video games, Ninja Turtles, Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh, and Power Rangers. Music became an important part of his life, and even as a young boy, he wanted to be a rapper. Anyone who knows Austin knows how much he loved Eminem and as he grew, he was always working on his own lyrics and filled notebooks with his rhymes. He liked to look good and was always dressed to the nines. His curls were the envy and admiration of many, and he was dubbed “Curly Joe” at work. Also, he literally smelled good ALL the time.

Austin loved to play jokes and laugh. If you have heard his giggle, you know that his laugh was always funnier than the thing that sparked it and it was contagious. He was a true and loyal friend. Relationships were so important to him. It was evident in the way he treated you and with the things he would keep close in his heart. You could always count on him to be a listening ear, and he loved with the most genuine type of love and understanding. He was the biggest hype-man and took joy in cheering for the people he loved most – especially his family. He loved them all and took so much pride in being a big brother to his sisters. He and Lexi went through everything together and always had each other’s backs. Austin gave the absolute best hugs that made you feel like the most important and cared about person in the world (“YOU KNOW THAT’S RIGHT!”) I think all of us would give anything for one more of those hugs right now. 25 years was not enough time with Austin, but we will miss him and look forward to seeing him again one day.

Austin is survived by his parents Andrea Wilson (Rowdy Alldridge) and William Olsen; siblings Alexis Olsen (Brody Owens), Isabella Wilson, and Aaliyah Wilson; nephew Maverick Owens; grandparents Cristina Berni-Sommer, Marsha and Charlie Olsen, and Marlene Wilson; along with loving aunts, uncles, and friends. Austin is preceded in death by his stepfather Connor Wilson, and his grandpas Kendall Sommer and Barry Wilson.