It is with hearts heavy with grief that we share the tragic loss of Rylee Creed, a beautiful and vibrant 3-year-old girl of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Rylee’s life was cut short in the most heartbreaking way after a search operation for the missing girl ended with the discovery of her body near the Pine Creek swim area in Valliant, Oklahoma. The loss of this precious child has shaken her family, the Choctaw Nation, and the broader community, leaving a void that can never be filled.
Born in 2021, Rylee Creed was a bright soul whose presence lit up every room she entered. Even at the tender age of three, she left an indelible mark on everyone around her. Rylee’s laughter was infectious, and her spirit was a beacon of light. She loved to sing, dance, and explore the world around her with the wonder that only a young child possesses. Her curious nature and innocent joy were the foundation of every day, and her boundless energy brought a smile to the faces of everyone who knew her.
Rylee’s family remembers her as a sweet, compassionate little girl who had a love for animals, especially her stuffed bear, which she carried everywhere. Her love for her family was evident in the way she would wrap her tiny arms around her parents and say, “I love you big.” She had a gift for making everyone feel loved and special, and her kind-hearted nature made her the light of her household.
Though Rylee’s life was tragically short, it was filled with deep, abiding love. She was the daughter of a proud Choctaw family, and her life was intertwined with the rich cultural heritage and traditions of her ancestors. As a member of the Choctaw Nation, Rylee embodied the strength and beauty of her people, and her loss is felt not only by her immediate family but also by the larger Choctaw community and all of Oklahoma. The pain of losing a young life in such a senseless way resonates deeply with Indigenous communities, who are already acutely aware of the challenges that face their children.
The disappearance of Rylee Creed triggered an immediate response from the community, law enforcement, and local tribal leaders. Volunteers from the Choctaw Nation, as well as local law enforcement and first responders, mobilized in an attempt to locate Rylee and bring her home safely. Search teams combed the area, with prayers, vigils, and community support swelling around the hope of finding the little girl alive. The search was a reflection of the power of community coming together, offering what little support they could, hoping against hope for a positive outcome.
But despite the tireless efforts of the search teams and the unwavering support of Rylee’s family, the tragic discovery of her body on June 24 was met with heartbreak and profound sorrow. The grief of Rylee’s family and the broader community is overwhelming, as they now face the painful reality of a loss they never imagined.
Rylee’s family expressed their deep sadness and gratitude for the love and support they have received during this trying time. Their hearts are broken, but they are filled with love and admiration for the beautiful spirit their daughter was. “We wanted to find her. We couldn’t rest without that. And now we can give her the farewell she deserves,” said a family member through tears. The immense loss of Rylee is more than just the loss of a child—it’s the loss of a vibrant spirit that brought so much joy to the world.
In the wake of this tragic event, many are reflecting on the importance of children’s safety, mental health, and the urgent need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable young lives. While no family should ever experience the pain of losing a child in such a way, Rylee’s death has sparked conversations on how communities can better support children, especially when it comes to outdoor safety and the emotional well-being of their families.
The memory of Rylee’s sweet spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone she touched. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of love, connection, and community. Her short time on this earth may have been brief, but it was filled with moments of pure joy, and the love that surrounded her will forever be carried by those who knew her.
Rylee is survived by her loving parents, her grandparents, a large extended family, and a tight-knit community that cherished her presence. She was a beautiful soul, and her light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who loved her. The Choctaw Nation and the people of Oklahoma mourn with her family, holding them close as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
A candlelight vigil and memorial service will be planned in the coming days to honor Rylee’s memory, where friends, family, and the community will gather to reflect, grieve, and remember the bright, loving spirit that was taken too soon. It is expected that traditional Choctaw prayers and blessings will be shared during the service as a way of honoring Rylee’s cultural heritage and sacred spirit.
In lieu of flowers, Rylee’s family has requested donations be made to organizations that support the safety and well-being of Indigenous children. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services are two organizations that have long been close to the family’s heart. These donations will help ensure that Rylee’s memory lives on through meaningful work that supports children in need.
The pain of losing Rylee is indescribable. There are no words that can adequately express the depth of sorrow her family feels. Rylee’s story is a tragic reminder that life is fragile and that every moment with a loved one is precious. As the Choctaw Nation and the community of Oklahoma continue to grieve this loss, the hope remains that Rylee’s memory will inspire kindness, compassion, and a renewed commitment to protecting and nurturing the next generation.
Rylee was a shining star, one whose light was meant to shine brighter for many years to come. Her passing has left a hole in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will continue to live on. As the Choctaw Nation and her family mourn, we stand united in remembering Rylee—her joy, her laughter, and the deep love she shared with everyone who crossed her path. She will never be forgotten.
May Rylee rest in peace, and may her family find solace in knowing that she will forever live in the hearts of those who loved her. Our prayers and thoughts are with her family and all those who are grieving during this difficult time.
