Indiana farrier Justin Kinzie passed away in a motorcycle accident on January 4. He was 30.

He is survived by many family and friends.

“I miss you so much already,” says farrier Alisha Quinn on Facebook. “I can’t even believe that this is real. You’re the best guy I’ve ever known, and all I can selfishly think is that God took you too early.

“This is going to be the most devastating news that will affect our entire community. Justin lived his 30 years with strong conviction, passion and kindness. He had a work ethic like no other. And he thought he was really funny. Sometimes he even was. He was a gift to me. He was a gift to the world. A wonderful gift, and I am so grateful to have known him, to have called him my friend. We’ll meet again, my friend. Until then, I won't ever pick up a hammer without thinkin’ of you.”

After Kinzie’s passing, Nighthound Forge & Farrier organized a support team of farriers to service Kinzie’s clients. All proceeds will go directly to the family. The current team includes Isaac Kinzie, Carrie Rule, A.J. Merriman, Evan McKinzie, Kady James, Tom Bertrand, Emma Schoolcraft and Jesse Merriman.

“We are so very saddened to hear of the passing of Indiana farrier Justin Kinzie,” says the Indiana Farriers’ Association on Facebook. “Anyone who met him got to see what a kind and friendly soul he was. He was beloved by his clients and fellow farriers alike.”

“God always takes the best ones first!” says horse owner Kenleigh Edge. “Justin Kinzie wasn’t just a great farrier! Justin was the kindest soul ever. The first time he ever came out, he sent a nail through one of his fingers. Never quit and shod the rest of the horses! He was strong, funny, intelligent, kind, selfless.

“If you didn’t know Justin, you were missing out. Also, if you didn’t know Justin but had a flat tire, you may have met him. Justin would stop and help anyone who had a flat tire. He made it a mission! 116 flat tires changed last year! We have truly lost a great farrier and all around person.”

California farriers Kayleigh and Ben Crott are collecting stories of Kinzie in the comments of this Facebook post or via private message to include in a book for his family.

“Mourning the loss of elders is hard, but mourning loss of the young brings confusion alongside the pain. Your soul was so genuine and rare. There are farriers who can’t clear a day off their schedule to help another, and then there’s you, who would drop everything and come to people’s aid in the middle of the night. You’d stop and change tires for strangers. I know you kept a tally, but to the rest of us it seemed like no less than 5 million. You regularly pulled over to render aid to loose animals and care for the needy. You lived life on the edge, will a full sense of humor share, while giving #allglorytoGod and actively doing God’s work everyday,” says Crott on Facebook.

In addition, the Crotts are posting several auction items on Facebook, with the proceeds going directly to Kinzie’s father. Items include a VFT driving hammer, a right-handed hoof knife and a 30"x30" print by California farrier Amanda Smith.

In response to Kinzie's passing, Bluegrass Horseshoeing School announced on Facebook the creation of the annual Justin Kinzie Memorial Scholorship. It awards $5,000 toward the school's 24- or 42-week courses. It's designed to support farriers experiencing financial hardship.

"Justin's life was a testament to the power of kindness, compassion and service," Bluegrass Horseshoeing School says on Facebook. "He cared deeply for both people and animals, and his dedication to his work as a farrier was matched only by his generosity toward others."

Candidates must submit a thoughtful essay detailing their motivations for pursuing farriery, their goals for enhancing equine welfare and their plans for contributing to the horse community. Each application should also include three letters of recommendation. Applications are open through October 1, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1306 S A St., Elwood, IN, 46036 on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. The viewing begins at 9 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m.