Jason Hairston, the founder of the KUIU hunting apparel brand, has died. He was 47.
KUIU confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, “We are shocked and saddened to announce the tragic passing of KUIU founder Jason Hairston.”
The company later revealed Hairston “took his own life” and “was found dead at his home in Dixon, CA, on Sept. 4, 2018.”
In 2016, Hairston revealed he was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy [CTE] symptoms. CTE can only be confirmed after an individual has died.
“The family has requested that donations be made to support CTE-related research at the Boston University Concussion Legacy Foundation in lieu of sending flowers,” the post read.
Hairston is survived by his wife Kirstyn and their two children.
Hairston grew up in southern California and had a brief career as a linebacker for San Francisco 49ers Denver Broncos before retiring in 1996. In 2005, Hairston founded the hunting gear company SITKA, which was sold to Gore-Tex in 2009. In 2010, he founded KUIU. Hairston was featured on Forbes last year after KUIU did $50 million in sales.
Photo courtesy KUIU
