"...Ryan was a beloved cosplayer in the geek community and an avid member of the 501st, a non-profit organization that uses Star Wars costumes to raise money for charities through community service. Ryan utilized his detailed costumes for more than personal gain. He did not become the 10th Doctor from Doctor Who or a Biker Scout from Star Wars simply to wear a costume; he did so instead to adopt the ideals of the character, to prove that a man in a costume could change the world one life at a time, and to make dreams come true for those waiting for a Doctor.

When I imagine the ideal “good man,” Ryan’s is the face that comes to mind. My only regret is that I did not have more time with him. From all that I knew and saw of him, I wish I had known and seen more. I know that every life he touched wishes the same. The outcry of the community for Ryan has been loud. Ryan’s Army, a group of his friends, family, and fans, has been raising money for his medical treatment and is still raising money for the costly medical bills. Visit the website to support his family in this hard time, and keep them all in your thoughts.

We who have been left behind will always miss Ryan. Everything about him was goodness and humor in a world that was dark and depressed. With his passing, a light has gone out of the world. But if we hear fiddling from heaven, at least we know where it comes from..."