On Saturday night, August 17, 2024, the community of Kalamazoo, Michigan, was struck by the heartbreaking news of Mitch Potter’s passing. A beloved father, first responder, and dedicated employee of the Sandy Pines Recreational Community, Mitch’s death is a profound loss to those who knew him personally and to the countless individuals whose lives he touched during his time as a firefighter, friend, and colleague.
Mitch Potter, 38 years old, was a resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan. On the evening of August 15, he was involved in a horrific motor vehicle accident that left him with severe injuries, including significant brain trauma. Despite the tireless efforts of emergency responders and the medical staff at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Mitch’s condition continued to deteriorate over the next two days. On Saturday, tests confirmed that he had no brain function, and he was officially pronounced dead later that evening. His loved ones were at his side throughout this devastating ordeal, offering him their strength, love, and support as he fought valiantly to stay alive for his children and family.
News of Mitch Potter’s accident and subsequent passing was shared by his family through a heartbreaking social media post. “It is with a very heavy heart that I make this post,” wrote Mitch’s former partner, the mother of his son. “On August 15th, my son’s father, Mitch Potter, was involved in an extremely terrible motor vehicle accident. Despite the best efforts of his medical team, Mitch was officially pronounced on Saturday night after tests confirmed he had no brain function. He fought like hell to stay here for his kids.”
The pain of his loss is palpable in the community. Those who knew Mitch best described him as a man who was devoted to his children, dedicated to his job, and committed to helping others. He was a man who gave so much of himself to others, both in life and, ultimately, in death. Though Mitch’s death is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life, his legacy of generosity continues. His family made the courageous decision to honor his wishes to become an organ donor, a final act of compassion that will provide life-saving hope for others. In the days after his passing, Mitch was transported from Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where his organs were harvested and prepared for donation. His Honor Walk, a symbolic gesture recognizing the incredible gift of life that organ donors provide, was a powerful moment for his family, his medical team, and his community.
Mitch Potter’s life was defined by his desire to help others. As a first responder, he served his community with unwavering dedication and bravery, spending many years as a firefighter at the Lake Station Fire Department, as well as another fire department in Michigan. Firefighting was more than just a job to Mitch; it was a calling that allowed him to fulfill his deep-seated passion for service. His colleagues at the fire department remember him as a man who was always willing to step up in the face of danger, always ready to offer a helping hand, and always committed to putting the needs of others ahead of his own. He was respected by his peers for his professionalism, his work ethic, and his kind-hearted nature.
In addition to his work as a first responder, Mitch was a cherished member of the team at the Sandy Pines Recreational Community, where he worked for several years. His coworkers at Sandy Pines describe him as a man whose positivity and warmth were contagious. Mitch had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and his friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure within the Sandy Pines community. Whether he was assisting visitors with recreational activities, maintaining the grounds, or simply offering a smile to someone in need of a kind word, Mitch had a way of making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. His impact on Sandy Pines was immeasurable, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
At the core of Mitch’s life was his unwavering devotion to his family. He was a loving and attentive father to his three children—a son and two daughters—whom he cherished with all his heart. Mitch’s love for his children was evident in everything he did, from the way he worked tirelessly to provide for them to the way he made time for them, no matter how busy his schedule was. His children were the light of his life, and he took immense pride in being their father. He was also in a loving relationship with his partner, Paetyn Leigh Carpenter, with whom he shared a deep bond built on mutual respect and affection. Paetyn, who had been by Mitch’s side during his final days, is now faced with the immense grief of losing the man she loved, but she is also filled with pride in the knowledge that Mitch’s legacy of kindness and generosity will live on through his final act of organ donation.
Mitch was a man of many talents and interests. Outside of his work and family life, he was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and solace in nature. He enjoyed activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, and he often shared these passions with his children, teaching them to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Mitch’s love for the outdoors was a reflection of his desire to live life to the fullest and to experience all the joy and wonder that the world had to offer. He believed in the importance of taking time to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures in life—whether it was a quiet evening by the campfire, a day spent fishing on the lake, or a walk through the woods with his dog by his side.
Even in the wake of tragedy, Mitch Potter’s story is one of hope, love, and resilience. His decision to become an organ donor means that even in death, he will continue to make a difference in the lives of others. His family takes comfort in the knowledge that Mitch’s organs will go on to save lives, and they are immensely proud of the selflessness he displayed in his final moments. The Honor Walk, which took place at Bronson Methodist Hospital before Mitch’s body was transported to Ann Arbor, was a moving tribute to the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. As he was wheeled down the hospital corridor, flanked by doctors, nurses, and loved ones, there was a palpable sense of gratitude and reverence for the incredible gift he was giving.
Mitch Potter’s death is a devastating loss for his family, his friends, and his community, but his legacy will endure. He will be remembered as a man who lived with purpose, who loved deeply, and who gave of himself without hesitation. His children will carry forward his memory, his colleagues will honor his service, and the recipients of his organs will live because of his final act of generosity. As his family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they are comforted by the outpouring of love and support they have received from their community. Mitch’s obituary and funeral arrangements are still being finalized, but his family has expressed their desire to celebrate his life in a way that reflects the love, joy, and kindness that he brought into the world.
In the days, weeks, and months ahead, Mitch Potter’s community will continue to grieve the loss of a remarkable man, but they will also celebrate the life he lived and the lasting impact he had on the world around him.
