Week 1

May 29, 2026

The call

The day started just like any other Friday, except I was a little more tired than usual. The evening before, an 8-year-old boy, Griffy, was struck by a car in my neighborhood. A helicopter landed and took him to the hospital. We were all shook up and praying he was okay. I tried, but my brain wouldn't even allow me to think of what it would be like if I lost my boy, Ryan.

It was 11:42 - we were wrapping up a 3-hour virtual staff meeting when I got a call from Pam, Ryan's mom. I ignored it and planned to call her back right after the meeting.

She called again - again I ignored it.

She then texted me, "urgent." My heart sank. I thought she was going to let me know one of her parents died.

I dropped off the meeting and called right back. She was wailing, "Ryan....Eric... ERIC...Ryan... I can't" I immediately went into shock. A soft-spoken, cracking voice took her phone and said "I am so sorry - there was a fatal accident and...and...Ryan didn't make it.

I felt like my chest was just cut open - my heart pulled out while getting shot in the face. Everything was spinning. I said, "I'll call you back". I dropped my phone and collapsed in my chair, sobbing uncontrollably.

I don't remember how long I was sobbing, but I pulled it together enough to call my wife, Robin. It went to voicemail - apparently I gave her the news in a semi-coherent voicemail. At this point - I don't remember many details. I went home, picked up Robin. We collapsed in eachother's arms and wept uncontrollably. After we pulled it together a little bit, we went directly to Pam's house where we all sat and cried, trying to console each other...

May 30, 2026

The Announcement

Yesterday our world changed forever. Ryan passed away in a single-car accident, and I can’t even begin to put into words the heartbreak we’re feeling.

He is my son… my pride, my love, my light. Losing him has left a pain that feels impossible to describe. A piece of my heart and soul is gone.

We’ll share details about services as soon as we’re able. Right now, we’re just trying to take this one moment at a time.

The world truly lost an incredible human being, and we lost everything.

May 31, 2026

Social media post

To all who have reached out via FB, texts, voicemails, and in person.

Thank you all for your overwhelming kindness, support, love and prayers.

Our world is upside-down right now but your support is greatly appreciated.

Life will never be the same and this heartbreak feels insurmountable. We are taking things one minute at a time.

Thank you all for your support

Besides some of the memories above, much of this week is a blur. We were bombarded with love and support by friends and family. We were receiving over 100 messages each day!

Later that day, we learned that Griffy (the boy that got hit by a car in our neighborhood) passed away from the injuries he sustained in the accident.