It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we honor the life of Ryan Godbey, whose tragic disappearance on June 27, 2025, has now led to the devastating news that Daniel Mattay has been charged with Ryan’s homicide. While Ryan has not yet been brought home, the diligent work of detectives offers hope that, soon, they will be found and their story will find closure. But this is not the ending anyone had hoped for. It is not fair. It is not right.
Ryan Godbey was a person who embodied light in its purest form. Their life was a celebration of joy, laughter, creativity, and compassion. Ryan was not merely a talented artist—they were a living, breathing work of art, a soul whose presence elevated every moment. The way Ryan lived their life was an art form of its own, full of selfless love, humor, and an ability to bring light to the darkest of days. Their strength was not loud, but it was quietly unshakable, woven into every aspect of their being. Their spirit was a blend of softness and resilience—a rare and beautiful combination that touched everyone they met.
Ryan was more than just a person; they were a force. They had the ability to make anyone feel seen, heard, and loved. Whether they were creating breathtaking art, sharing an inside joke with a friend, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need, Ryan’s energy was one of pure goodness. They had a way of making others feel special, reminding them of the beauty in the world even in its darkest corners. In a world that can often feel cold and indifferent, Ryan was the warmth, the spark, the light that reminded us of the best parts of being human.
To Ryan’s family, we stand with you in your grief. We share your pain, your disbelief, and your overwhelming sorrow. Your heartache is not yours to carry alone. It is felt deeply by a community that has come together in the search for justice and in the celebration of Ryan’s life. Every search, every prayer, every post shared, and every donation made has been a testament to the love Ryan brought into the world. Though Ryan is no longer physically with us, their spirit remains alive in the hearts of all who knew them. Your love for Ryan is felt by all who have stood beside you, in both sorrow and in support.
To those who searched, posted, prayed, and donated—your efforts were not in vain. Your love for Ryan has not gone unnoticed. In fact, it has been felt, more than words can say. The outpouring of support from those near and far is a reflection of the impact Ryan had on the world. Every effort made to find Ryan, every message shared, and every moment of remembrance has contributed to a legacy of love, a legacy that will endure far beyond the tragedy that befell them.
We grieve tonight. We grieve because we have lost a life far too soon—a life that should have been filled with more time, more experiences, more joy. We grieve the injustice of a world that could not protect someone so deeply cherished. But we will also rise. We will rise in Ryan’s name, fueled by a desire for justice and a commitment to ensuring that their story is never forgotten. We will fight to make sure that Ryan’s legacy is not defined by the tragic circumstances of their death, but by the richness of their life and the beauty they brought to the world.
Ryan Godbey deserved more—more time, more laughter, more love. The world deserves more people like Ryan, people who give so freely of themselves, who spread kindness and joy without expectation of anything in return. But while Ryan may no longer be with us in body, their spirit lives on in the memories we hold, in the stories we tell, and in the art they created that will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Ryan’s light will not fade. It will never dim. Their legacy will continue to shine, not because of the circumstances surrounding their death, but because of the life they lived. The impact they made on the world, the love they gave, and the art they created—all of these things will endure. Ryan may have been taken from us too soon, but their influence will live on forever. They will never be forgotten.
As we face the days ahead, we will hold onto the love Ryan shared with us, knowing that this love is stronger than any tragedy or injustice. It is a love that cannot be extinguished, a love that will keep Ryan alive in our hearts forever. We will carry their memory with us, and we will continue to fight for justice, to honor their life, and to make sure that their story is heard.
Ryan Godbey was a gift to this world—a gift that we were fortunate enough to receive, even for the briefest of moments. Their light may no longer be with us in the physical world, but it shines brightly in our hearts, and it will continue to guide us as we move forward. Ryan’s life, their art, their love, will not end here. They will forever be a part of us.
Rest easy, Ryan. You were, and always will be, deeply loved. We promise that your name will not fade, your light will not dim, and your story will not end here. Your legacy will live on, and your memory will forever be a source of inspiration and love to all who knew you.
