Help the Roylance Family!

Dear friends, family, and members of the community,

 

I am writing to you today to let you know about the loss of my cousin Jerry Roylance. Jerry was 26 years old when he went missing on January 26th, 2022. After countless family members, friends, police, divers, and community members were looking for him; his body was found deceased on January 31, 2022.

 

Jerry was an intelligent, sweet, silly, kind young man who had a natural ability to put others first. He enjoyed playing games, basketball, and listening to music. Jerry also enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes, which fit well with his job as a meat clerk at Harris Teeter. Jerry enjoyed his customers and took so much pride in his work that he was given the “Service Hero Award” for his commitment and dedication to the company. Jerry had autism, but he did not let it slow him down. Jerry was the guy that everybody knew. People instantly liked him and wanted to talk to him. He would always make jokes at work and home to make people laugh.

 

Sadly, in September, Jerry suddenly became very sick when he developed a sensitivity to food that would cause severe schizophrenia, mania, and catatonia. After being seen five times by various doctors, he was finally admitted to the ER and stayed almost a week. Next, he was sent to Holly Hill in Wilmington until his benefits ran out. Jerry spent a total of seven weeks in two separate psychiatric facilities, costing over $15,000 in medical expenses before he was sent home.  After his release, he was still having trouble with food and doctors didn't know how to help him other than give him psych meds.  But it wasn't until a few days before he passed that his family discovered that he had auto brewery syndrome, a condition in which his body makes alcohol.  

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Jerry is survived by his parents, Ken and Debbie Roylance; brother Steven; uncles Gordan Roylance and Ed Lyau, beloved Aunt Sharon Mulligan; and Grandpa Ray Lyau. We are all devastated by Jerry’s loss and were unprepared for his passing. We want to help cover the unexpected medical expenses and give Jerry the memorial he deserves to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes. Please consider donating if you can do so. Every donation during this challenging time is greatly appreciated!

 

With love,

Chrissy Starrett