With heavy hearts and unimaginable sorrow, we share the tragic news that Rylee Creed, a 3-year-old Indigenous girl of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, has been found deceased near the Pine Creek swim area in Valliant, Oklahoma. After an urgent search effort that gripped communities across the region, this heartbreaking outcome has left a community in mourning and a family shattered by grief. Rylee’s loss has left an indelible mark on her family, her tribe, and the many who have come to love and know her vibrant spirit.
Rylee was reported missing on June 24, 2025, near the Pine Creek Lake recreation area, a peaceful and familiar gathering place in southeastern Oklahoma. The news of her disappearance sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate and coordinated response from law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, tribal authorities, and volunteers. For hours, these dedicated individuals combed the wooded shoreline and the waterside areas, hoping for a joyful reunion. The sense of urgency was felt not just locally, but across Oklahoma and Indian Country, as Rylee’s family and friends held on to hope that the young girl would be found safe.
But despite the tireless efforts of everyone involved, the outcome was far from what anyone had hoped. In the early evening hours, searchers found her lifeless body near the waters of Pine Creek, confirming the community’s worst fears. A tragedy that no one could have ever anticipated unfolded in the quiet corners of Oklahoma, leaving those who knew Rylee in profound shock and grief.
From the moment Rylee was reported missing, a wave of concern and compassion surged across the state and beyond. Authorities acted swiftly, with local law enforcement, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Choctaw Nation Tribal Police working in unison to search every inch of the Pine Creek area. Volunteers arrived in droves, desperate to lend a helping hand, while drones flew overhead, search dogs tracked scent trails, and rescue boats scanned the waters. It was a community-wide effort to find the missing child, and despite all the hope and prayers, tragedy struck.
The exact cause of Rylee’s death is still under investigation by both state and tribal authorities. An autopsy has been ordered by the Medical Examiner’s Office, and officials have urged the public to refrain from speculation while they continue to gather the necessary information. The details of what happened remain unclear, but the focus now is on providing Rylee’s family with the space and support they need during this heartbreaking time. The unanswered questions only add to the sense of loss, as the community mourns the young life taken far too soon.
Rylee Creed was more than just a name to her family and community. She was a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, a relative of the Choctaw Nation, and a shining light in the lives of all who loved her. Despite her young age, Rylee’s spirit was filled with wonder, sweetness, and curiosity — qualities that brought warmth to everyone around her. Her infectious energy and joyful heart were the foundation of her family’s world. To know Rylee was to know love, laughter, and light. Her presence brought an unspoken sense of peace, and her absence now leaves a hole that will never be filled.
The Creed family has expressed their grief in a brief but deeply emotional statement: “We are broken beyond words. Rylee was our heart, our sunshine, and our joy. This pain is unbearable. We thank every soul who searched, who prayed, and who stood with us. Please keep our family in your prayers.” These words capture the depth of the family’s pain and the overwhelming sorrow they now face. In this time of unthinkable loss, they are not alone; the entire Choctaw Nation and the wider community stand by them, offering condolences, support, and a shared commitment to honoring Rylee’s memory.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has also extended its condolences, recognizing the profound impact Rylee’s passing has had on the tribe as a whole. “Rylee’s passing is a painful loss for our entire tribal community. She was a young, beautiful soul who had so much life ahead of her,” said a representative of the tribe. The support offered by the Choctaw Nation in this time of sorrow serves as a reminder of the deep connection that exists within Indigenous communities, where the loss of one is felt by all.
As the grief settles in, so too does the urgent reminder that Rylee’s death is not an isolated incident, but part of a much larger and painful reality. Indigenous children and families across North America continue to face heightened risks, including underreported disappearances, systemic gaps in search responses, and a lack of protective measures that ensure their safety. Rylee’s death is a stark reminder of the challenges Indigenous communities face in terms of protection and support, not just from external threats, but also within systems that often fail to adequately respond to the needs of their youth.
The tragic loss of Rylee has ignited a call to action from advocates and leaders across Indian Country and beyond. There is a growing movement calling for expanded resources, better infrastructure, and culturally sensitive protections for Indigenous children. This tragedy has underscored the need for systemic change that can prevent future losses and ensure that no child is overlooked. Rylee’s story, though heartbreaking, must serve as a beacon for change, one that will push for the safety, well-being, and justice of all Indigenous children.
As the community continues to mourn, there are plans to honor Rylee’s life through vigils and memorial services. One such vigil is planned at the Pine Creek Lake area, where Rylee was last seen alive. These memorials will not only serve as moments of reflection and remembrance but also as spaces for action. The community and tribe are coming together to ensure that Rylee’s name is remembered, that her life is celebrated, and that steps are taken to prevent further tragedies from occurring. It is in these moments of pain that collective action often arises, and the outpouring of love for Rylee is a testament to the strength of her family, her community, and her tribe.
Rylee’s death may have left a silence in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her short life was filled with love, joy, and light, and those who were fortunate enough to be part of her world will carry her spirit with them always. Her family, friends, and community will continue to honor her by living their lives with the same kindness, curiosity, and resilience that Rylee exemplified every day.
As the search for answers continues, the community of Medford, Oklahoma, and the Choctaw Nation stand united in grief, solidarity, and the hope that this tragedy will spark the necessary changes to protect Indigenous children for generations to come. For now, we hold Rylee in our hearts, remembering her bright spirit and the joy she brought to those around her.
Rest in peace, Rylee Creed. You were cherished, loved, and will never be forgotten. Your spirit will live on, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. Forever in our hearts, forever missed.
