The district announced on Thursday that Ryley had succumbed to his injuries. Details were not released.
A prayer vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the middle school to celebrate Ryley’s life. All community members are invited to attend.
Local counselors and clergy joined district personnel this week to provide support to students and staff, the district said, adding that its crisis response team will continue to work with students and families affected by the loss.
The plan for services has not yet been shared by the family, and an obituary has not been released.
“Ryley will forever be a part of our Falcon Family. He brought joy to many of the students and staff at Graham Local Schools. He will be remembered as a friend, leader, and scholar. Ryley will be missed,” said Superintendent Chad Lensman.
Ryley was an honor student, a member of the Student Lighthouse Team as an elementary student and was a goalie for the middle school soccer team, the district said.
Graham Middle School teacher Mindy Heaston said, “He was an amazing student. He and I would share our jokes and sarcasm on a daily basis. Ryley loved sharing books and scary stories with me in class, and we had many conversations about the possibilities of the unknown.”
Graham Elementary teachers Bre Tebble and Karla Garcia remembered Ryley as an intelligent, hard-working and self-motivated young man who was always willing to help others. “Ryley helped to make our first year at Graham, one to remember,” they said in the statement.
Graham Elementary Student Lighthouse coordinator Sara Hager said Ryley was a “happy kid” in elementary school, adding that he took on leadership roles as part of the Lighthouse team. “Ryley was a role model for our Falcon community,” she said.
