On April 28, 2026, Ryan was involved in a devastating car accident that resulted in catastrophic injuries. Despite extraordinary medical care and the constant presence of family and loved ones by his side, Ryan peacefully passed away on May 16, 2026.

Beyond the stage and beyond the music, Ryan’s greatest pride was being a father and provider for his family. He loved his two daughters endlessly, spoke about them constantly, and poured his whole heart into their lives. Ryan worked tirelessly to support and care for the people he loved, and his loss leaves an enormous emotional and financial void for his family during this heartbreaking time, especially as his daughters prepare to begin college.

We are raising funds to help support Ryan’s family as they navigate this profound loss.

Contributions will help cover:

This fundraiser is being organized by Ryan’s close friends and community in direct support of his family.

Ryan Keith Porter was one of the great musical voices of his generation. As a founding member of the West Coast Get Down, he helped carry the spirit and lineage of jazz from Los Angeles onto the global stage, helping redefine the music for a new generation of listeners. His unmistakable trombone sound can be heard on landmark recordings including Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” and Kamasi Washington’s “The Epic.” Through solo albums including The Optimist, Force for Good, and Spangle Lang-Lane, Ryan created music filled with soul, beauty, honesty, humor, and humanity. As a collaborator, his gift for “making things feel right” was celebrated by some of the world’s greatest artists, including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Quincy Jones, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

But beyond the music, Ryan was one of those rare people whose presence made you feel like the world was going to be okay. He carried light naturally. Humor naturally. Love naturally. He had a way of making people feel safe, welcomed, understood, and deeply connected to one another. He was the kind of person who always showed up. Always on time. Always there for the people he loved.

More than anything, Ryan wanted to be a force for good in this world, and he truly embodied that spirit. He gave so much love, beauty, encouragement, wisdom, and music to the people around him, and this world is better because he was here.

Now we are asking the village Ryan helped build to show up for the family he loved so deeply.

Thank you for helping us honor Ryan’s life, music, spirit, and legacy. If you are unable to contribute, we ask that you please share this page and continue lifting Ryan’s name and light into the world he gave so much to.