My brother, Ryan Kestranek, was the baby of our family and brought so much joy to everyone who knew him. He was kind, gentle, incredibly smart, and had big dreams for his future. Ryan had a special way of making people feel heard, and his presence brought warmth and laughter wherever he went. Ryan shared an especially close bond with our mom. As her one and only son, she lovingly called him “Sonny,” a nickname that stayed with him throughout his life. Their relationship was truly special, and they shared a connection that words can hardly describe. He was also a loving younger brother who adored—and was deeply adored by—his two older sisters, and our family will forever cherish the memories we made together.

Our lives changed forever when Ryan was tragically shot and taken from us at only 19 years old. The loss of someone so young, with so much life ahead of him, has left an unimaginable void in our hearts. This fundraiser is being created to help provide our mom with some financial stability and peace of mind as she navigates the difficult days ahead. Any support will help ease the practical burdens that come with this loss, including funeral expenses and everyday living costs, allowing her the time and space to grieve without additional financial stress.

Most importantly, we want Ryan to be remembered for the love, kindness, and light he brought into our lives. We are grateful for every prayer, kind word, and gesture of support during this incredibly difficult time. God bless.