Mackenzie Forrest
"She was more than her accomplishments; she was the soul behind every triumph and the heart that touched every life."
Mackenzie “Little Mac” Forrest was more than her accomplishments; she was the soul behind every triumph and the heart that touched every life. Fierce on the court and compassionate in her community, Mackenzie embodied hustle, heart, and kindness in all that she did.
Despite her small stature, Mackenzie played basketball with a passion and intensity that made her larger than life. As Lakewood High School’s all-time leading scorer with 1,420 points, she earned a scholarship to Regis University. Known as a “coach on the court,” Mackenzie’s leadership, meticulous study of her opponents, and relentless drive to improve inspired her teammates and intimidated her competition.
But her story went far beyond basketball. Mackenzie’s vibrant personality shone in everything she did. She loved loud socks, Steph Curry, Harry Potter, and her cherished basketball shoes. Despite offers to play out of state, she chose Regis University to stay close to her younger brother, a freshman, showcasing her deep love for family.
The day before her passing was filled with joy. Mackenzie went prom dress shopping, watched the state basketball finals with her parents, and talked excitedly with her friends about college. “We had a great day,” her mother Denise recalled. But behind her bright smile, Mackenzie carried the weight of wanting to reconnect with her birth parents before her 18th birthday.
On Saturday night, she hugged her parents and said she was heading to bed. Hours later, she left a note that read, “Mom, I’ve just got a lot going on in my head right now. I’m going to take a drive. I have my phone with me. I’ll be home soon.”
Tragically, Mackenzie never made it home. She lost control of her vehicle on Interstate 70 near Frisco. Rushed to St. Anthony’s Hospital, she passed away Sunday night at the age of 17.
Even in death, Mackenzie gave life. Her parents knew she wanted to be an organ donor. Her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys saved six lives. “I hope they get Mackenzie’s spirit,” Denise said, “because her spirit was so beautiful.”
The community felt the weight of her loss deeply. Teachers reminded students to cherish their relationships and “never take the people around you for granted.” One student, overcome with emotion, wept openly, a poignant reminder of the profound impact Mackenzie had on everyone she met.
Mackenzie’s legacy lives on through the Hustle & Heart 33 organization (now Kindness Matters 33), which her family established to honor her memory. The initiative promotes the values she held dear: passion, compassion, and kindness. “Hustle and heart are contagious,” her family says. “When you give from your heart, kindness will flow.”
Her life continues to inspire. Through the Hustle & Heart 33 / Kindness Matters 33 foundation, her family encourages the next generation to spread kindness and make a difference by loving their neighbors as themselves.
Mackenzie Forrest was more than a basketball star, more than a leader—she was a force of compassion, a beacon of kindness, and a reminder to embrace life’s little joys. Her hustle, heart, and spirit will forever touch the lives of those who hear her story!
Thank You all for taking a moment to read about our daughter.
Holger and Denise Forrest