08/15/09: Brendan Ryan, 24, Deerpark, NY

At around 2:30 a.m., on August 15, 2009, Brendan J. Ryan, 24, left a friend's party in a wooded area off Route 209 in the Town of Deerpark, NY and disappeared. Area searches were conducted over the weekend by the Town of Deerpark Police Department, members of local fire departments and the NYSP Aviation unit. The searches failed to locate Ryan.

The body of the University at Albany student was spotted three days later by two local youths tubing on the Neversink River in the Town of Deerpark, NY. The area was approximately one half mile downstream from where Ryan was last seen. The town of Deerpark is near where the New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey borders meet 65 miles northwest of New York City.

Ryan's death was ruled an accidental drowning. There were no sign of foul play and toxicology reports show he had no alcohol or drugs in his system.


About Brendan Ryan

An excerpt from Brendan Ryan's obituary reads:

He was born December 28, 1984 in White Plains, NY, the son of John H. and Lynne Lawton Ryan.

A family statement reads: "Brendan, a loyal son, brother and friend with a generous heart, whose quick wit always made us laugh. You will be greatly missed Irish Ryan."

Survivors include his loving parents, John and Lynne Ryan, at home; one brother, Kevin Ryan and his wife, Lisa of Palm Bay, FL; two sisters, Kimberly and Emily Ryan, at home; maternal grandparents, David and Irene Lawton of Palm Bay, FL, also many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. in the Christian Faith Fellowship Family Church, 510 MM Rd., Middletown, NY 10940. As was his character, the family requests that all attending dress casually.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Huguenot Fire Dept., PO Box 195, Huguenot, NY 12746.

The Ryan family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Ted and Helene Brois  Company, the Deerpark Police Dept., Huguenot Fire Dept., State Police and everyone who volunteered their untiring efforts to help bring Brendan home.

Arrangements by Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis; 845-856-5191. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to that family, please visit http://www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com/.

Details of the Case

Name/age: Brendan James Ryan, 24
Date of Birth: 12/28/84
College: University of Albany (Psychology major; Computers minor)
Hometown: Westbrookville, NY
Residence: White Plains, NY
Last seen: 8/15/09, 2:30 a.m., Town of Deerpark, NY
Recovered: 8/18/09, near Edgewater Lane, off Route 209, in the Town of Deerpark, NY
Investigating Agency: New York State Police at Middletown at (845) 344-5300.