Photo from the Thatcher Markham Fundraiser on GoFundMe

Houghton hockey player, 12, passes away in city’s flooding


By @MichaelCaples –

The MiHockey staff is saddened to learn that the 12-year-old boy who passed away in the Houghton area flooding was a member of our hockey community.

Thatcher Markham was a member of Copper Country Hockey from the age 5, and he was also beginning work as a referee in the area.

In a release from the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, MAHA vice president of officials and District 8 (Houghton, Marquette and the surrounding areas) council member Judy Niemi said that Markham was a “gifted athlete with a forever smile.”

The Markham family has had an impact on the Michigan hockey community across multiple generations – Thatcher’s grandfather, Jim Markham, was a longtime volunteer and influencer for the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association, the U.P. Hockey Association and MAHA.

The family tree includes Blackhawks forward and Michigan Tech alum Tanner Kero, Madison Capitols director of scouting and assistant coach Blake Hietala, Houghton High School head coach Corey Markham and many others in the hockey world.

A GoFundMe account was made to support Thatcher’s family; in its limited time of operation, it has surpassed its $15,000 goal. As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the page has received $78,908 in financial support for the hockey family.

From a ABC 10 UP report, Houghton Middle School issued this statement:

Dear Parents,

It is with heavy hearts, that we mourn the loss of HMS student, Thatcher Markham, who passed away following injuries sustained during the Houghton County flooding. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.  The Markham family has many ties to the Houghton Schools and Community. For students and families that need support, there are 24 hour counseling services available through Dial Help (see below). If students, families and community members would like to drop off cards and notes for the Markham family, they can be dropped off at the Elementary and Middle School offices. Please keep the Markham family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Dial Help Crisis Support
Local Helpline: (906) 482-HELP (4357)
*IF THE MAIN HELP LINE IS OUT OF SERVICE USE: 906-482-9077
Online Chat available at: https://dialhelp.org/
Text Us at: (906) 35-NEEDS (63337)