Honoring Ryan O’Donoghue: Supporting Tara and Marley

On Friday, May 9th, the O’Donoghue family experienced an unimaginable loss with Ryan's sudden passing. His absence has left a deep void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Tara, and their sweet 2½-year-old daughter, Marley.

While Ryan and Tara planned thoughtfully for their family’s future, no preparation can fully account for a tragedy of this magnitude. Tara had recently returned to work after staying home to care for Marley—but in the wake of this loss, continuing that job in the near term is no longer viable.

In the days since Ryan’s passing, we’ve seen the far-reaching impact of the life he built—from his roots in Bay Village, Ohio, to his time at Georgetown University, to the strong community he found in Denver and the First Descents Family. We’re reaching out to this wide and loving network—friends, family, colleagues, and beyond—to help ease the financial burden on Tara and Marley in the years ahead.

Ryan spent his life lifting others up, especially after the loss of his beloved older brother and best friend, Colin. It’s now our turn to carry that spirit forward—by supporting the two people he loved most in this world.

Ryan, we will always love you. We promise to honor your legacy by helping to care for Tara and Marley in the way you would have wanted.

If you’d like to contribute directly to Marley’s 529 college savings fund, please reach out to the organizers, Kevin or Andrew.

Thank you for your love, support, and generosity.