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Washington senior dies in hunting accident
Vigil held to remember Carson Ryan; neighboring school districts honor him by wearing black and orange
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WASHINGTON – A senior at Washington High School died in a tragic hunting accident over the weekend.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported that 17-year-old Carson Ryan of Washington died Saturday, Sept. 27 from injuries he suffered while hunting in rural Brighton. He was life-flighted to the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center in Iowa City, where he later died from his injuries.
The Iowa DNR and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.
News of the shocking tragedy affected not just the Washington community but all of Southeast Iowa. Neighboring school districts, from Highland, WACO, Mt. Pleasant, New London, Pekin, Lone Tree, WMU, Cardinal, North Liberty and beyond announced on their social media accounts that they would honor Ryan’s memory by encouraging their students to wear black and orange on Monday, Sept. 29.
Ryan was a gifted athlete who was also serious about his studies, earning a spot on the All-Academic team in basketball. He used to run cross-country, and as a member of the track team, he qualified for state in the 4 x 800 meter relay.
Most recently, Ryan was a member of the Demons’ varsity football team and had just suited up for Washington’s game Friday night. Ryan was a wide receiver and defensive back, and stood out for his exceptional play on special teams. This week was shaping up to be a special one for the senior, who had just been named to the high school’s Homecoming Court.
Washington High School hosted a vigil Sunday evening to remember their beloved classmate. Assistant Football Coach Nic Williams spoke about getting to know Ryan, both on and off the field and the impact he made on his community and school, including a weekly Bible study that Ryan helped lead.
“Carson was a fierce competitor in everything he did,” Williams said. “He loved fishing. He loved being with his friends. But more importantly, Carson was a person of incredible faith.”
Williams said that anyone who “spent five minutes with Carson” could see his unwavering commitment to Jesus.
“His smile and his laugh were contagious,” he said. “He was loved by so many people: his mom, Heidi, his family and his friends and his teammates, his teachers and coaches and anyone who just got to spend a second with him.”
Williams encouraged those in attendance to keep Ryan’s memory alive, and to share stories of “how much Carson meant to us.”
“I don’t think there is anybody in here that can deny what kind of person Carson was. If Carson had a bad day, I don’t think anybody ever knew,” Williams said.
Washington Schools Superintendent Willie Stone sent an email to parents Sunday afternoon informing them of Ryan’s passing and extending condolences to his family and friends.
“Carson was a truly kind, thoughtful, and caring presence within our school, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him,” Stone wrote.
Stone encouraged students to reach out to teachers and counselors during this difficult time, and to keep Ryan’s family in their prayers.
Washington resident Kelsie Wheeler started a GoFundMe for Ryan’s family to ease the financial burden of memorial expenses and to help his loved ones “find some peace and stability as they grieve.”
“Carson was a son, friend, and bright light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” Wheeler wrote. “His kindness, humor, and genuine spirit touched countless lives, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void.”
As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe had received over $41,000 from 561 donors.
New Attitude Tanning Salon and Spa and Ocean Ink, on the west side of the Washington square, paid tribute to Ryan in their storefront with an image of him wearing his No. 80 football jersey below the words “Gone yet near,” followed by a poem:
“You are not gone, just out of sight. Your love remains, a guiding light. In every heart your memory stays. Forever near through all our days.”
The business encourages all who knew Ryan to bring a photo of him to display in the window and to find support with others who are grieving his passing.
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
Contributing to this story were Andy Krutsinger and AnnaMarie Kruse of The Southeast Iowa Union.
