Life is fragile. One minute you’re navigating the complex world of PropTech, and the next, you’re standing on the edge of a 200-foot drop in Zion National Park. When the news broke about the Justin Bingham obituary, the shockwaves didn't just hit the tech community in Lindon, Utah. They rippled through the tight-knit world of canyoneers, the BYU alumni network, and the thousands of families who followed the "Our Life in Holland" blog.
Justin Bingham wasn't just another CEO. He was 40. He was a father of four. He was a former BYU track star who could still outrun most people half his age.
On October 5, 2024, everything changed. While exploring Heaps Canyon—a route known for its technical difficulty and grueling exits—Bingham fell between 150 and 200 feet. It was a freak accident. It happened near the very end of the trip. Despite a massive rescue effort involving over 50 people, he passed away before he could be airlifted to a hospital.
The Man Behind the Opiniion CEO Title
People see "CEO" and think of suits and boardrooms. Justin was different. He co-founded Opiniion, a resident feedback platform that basically revolutionized how property managers talk to their tenants. Under his watch, the company landed on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row. But if you talked to him, he’d rather discuss his kids or his latest outdoor adventure.
He was a "2x exit" founder, meaning he had already built and sold two other startups before Opiniion even became a thing. That’s rare. Most people struggle to get one off the ground.
Devin Shurtleff, the co-founder and current CEO who stepped in after the tragedy, often described Justin as the "eternal optimist." He had this vibe. You know those people who make you feel like everything is going to be okay just by walking into the room? That was him. He lived by a simple mantra: relationships matter more than transactions.
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A Legacy Beyond the Boardroom
Justin’s life was deeply rooted in his faith and his family. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Milan, Italy. It’s kinda poetic—and heartbreaking—that the announcement of a new temple in Milan came less than 24 hours after he passed. His family mentioned in the Justin Bingham obituary that they could almost hear him shouting for joy from the other side.
He married Lindsay Adams in 2005. They were a team. Together, they raised four children: Turin, Ashton, Landon, and Ava.
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you might recognize the name "Our Life in Holland." It’s their family blog. They documented everything—the highs, the lows, and the daily realities of raising a son, Landon, who lives with cerebral palsy. Justin didn't just "deal" with challenges; he attacked them with a "Superman" energy that inspired anyone watching.
What Happened at Zion National Park?
Heaps Canyon isn't a "walk in the park." It’s a beast. It requires multiple rappels, cold water swims, and advanced technical skills.
On that Saturday in October, Justin was with three friends. They were seasoned. They weren't amateurs taking risks they didn't understand. The fall occurred near the exit, a spot where the canyon finally lets you out into the main valley.
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- The Fall: Approximately 150–200 feet.
- The Response: Zion National Park rangers and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office launched a massive operation.
- The Outcome: The other three canyoneers had to be extracted by helicopter the following morning because the terrain was too dangerous to navigate in the dark.
It’s a stark reminder that even the most skilled outdoorsmen are at the mercy of the elements. Justin was described by those who knew him as an "incredibly gifted outdoorsman." He had summited Mt. Rainier. He knew the Wasatch Range like the back of his hand. Sometimes, things just go wrong.
Why the Justin Bingham Obituary Resonates So Much
Honestly, it’s because he lived a life that felt "full."
Most of us spend our lives waiting for the weekend or the next big promotion. Justin seemed to be living in the "now" constantly. Whether he was at a BYU track meet (where he competed in hurdles from 2005-2008) or traveling the world with his family, he was present.
The tech world in Utah—often called the "Silicon Slopes"—is a small community. When a leader like Bingham passes, it leaves a massive void. But it’s the personal details that stick with you. The way he brought a football to track practice every day. The way he championed the underdog.
Addressing the Misconceptions
There’s often a lot of noise after a high-profile accident. Some people point fingers at "dangerous hobbies." But for Justin, the outdoors wasn't a hobby; it was where he recharged. He was "at home in places most human eyes will never see."
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His death wasn't the result of negligence. It was a tragic accident during the pursuit of a passion.
The Justin Bingham obituary isn't just a record of a death; it’s a blueprint for a specific kind of life. A life where you build companies to help people, where you serve your community, and where you never let a "disability" define what your family can achieve.
Moving Forward and Honoring a Visionary
If there is one takeaway from the life of Justin Bingham, it’s the power of relentless positivity. Devin Shurtleff and the team at Opiniion have been vocal about keeping that spirit alive. They aren't just continuing the business; they're trying to keep the culture of "genuine connection" that Justin obsessed over.
For the rest of us, it’s a prompt to look at our own lives. Are we building something that lasts? Are we showing up for our families the way "Superman" did for his?
Actionable Steps for Those Impacted:
- Support the Family's Mission: Follow the "Our Life in Holland" updates to see how the family is continuing to advocate for children with cerebral palsy.
- Safety First: If you are an outdoor enthusiast, revisit your safety protocols. Even experts can face the unexpected. Ensure you have emergency communication devices (like an inReach) when in technical canyons like Heaps.
- Prioritize Relationships: In your professional life, try Justin’s approach—treat every client and coworker like a human being first, and a "contact" second.
- Donate: Consider contributing to causes that support adaptive sports or cerebral palsy research, things that were close to Justin’s heart.
The world feels a little quieter without Justin’s "larger than life" personality. But his legacy is tucked away in the software he built, the children he raised, and the mountains he climbed.