A message from his sister, Kari:
Ryan, I can’t find the right words to say right now without the risk of writing forever… but what I can say is:
You should be here… with us. You deserved better from this world.
We should be laughing and celebrating your birthday together right now. Not sitting by your grave.
Happy birthday in heaven, Ryan. You would have been 30 today. We love you more than words will ever be able to describe. Love never ends. And neither will your story. You always wanted to change the world and you did it.
You did it, Ry.
A message from Ken:
I never imagined spending my son’s birthday like this. At his grave.
Ryan would have turned thirty. Really though, he died as a 20-year old. The night when his essence was mercilessly beaten out of him. The last 10 years were little more than physically existing.
Life is so much more than a beating heart.
To me, Ryan is eternally twenty years old. Mere weeks beyond being a teenager. Over the past decade, I struggled — and failed — in coming to grips with this. Honestly, I suppose I never will.
The contrast couldn’t be starker than this exact day thirty years ago, September 21, 1989. This birthday hurts like unholy hell.
I promise, there will be hell to pay.
Ryan’s story doesn’t end. Not here. Not now, Not ever. I won’t allow it.
#RallyForRyan #JusticeForRyan #KeepRyanRelevant
I’ve heard before that it just isn’t right for a parent to outlive his/her child and I’m sure you’re experiencing that now. You shouldn’t be visiting your baby boy in a grave. I hope you achieve justice for Ryan in whatever form that takes and in the meantime you’re doing him proud by keeping his legacy alive. Peace be with you all.
Feeling sad this is how you have to celebrate Ryan’s Birthday!!! If you need help Ken with anything I’ll be here. Peace and Comfort to all ❤️
That ray of sunlight is the first thing I noticed in the picture. I am so sorry that this is another of the hardest days of your lives. I know there have been many. Happy Birthday Ryan, you are missed! Stay strong Ken, Sue and Kari. Everyone cares deeply!
So sad!
Thank you for sharing.❤️
Sending you comfort and peace.
In the past decade you have allowed us, through technology, to peer into your daily life of the heartbreak, the struggle, the unfair legal process, the cruel evil beings (including their families) behind the brutal attack and the deep love of your family. Many of us, from afar, have shared a portion (small in comparison to your own) of the anger, the tears, and the hope that the medical field could provide a miracle for Ryan. We cried when we learned of the last breath leaving your sons/brothers body. A body you kept in a healthy and strong condition. Your family has suffered a horrific tragedy that other parents/siblings never imagine and fear even the thought of it. We will continue to keep Ryan’s story going.
Happy Birthday, angel ❤️
This just breaks my heart even more than it’s already broken. I’ve been thinking about all you all day yesterday. Can’t imagine the pain you all are feeling but know this, you are not alone in that pain and Ryan will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on through you and all of us that support you.