A Sudden Silence in the Woods: The Unthinkable Loss
The heart of the Saginaw community is heavy with grief following the heartbreaking passing of Ryley Michael Lotz at just 19 years old. Ryley, a young man known for his strength on the wrestling mat and his gentle spirit off it, was taken by a sudden and severe medical crisis. The tragedy unfolded on a quiet Monday evening after a day spent in the sanctuary of the woods—a place he loved deeply. While making his way back, Ryley was unexpectedly struck by a severe asthma attack. The condition escalated rapidly and dramatically, leading to cardiac arrest. The immediate, desperate fight to save his life involved prolonged CPR and heroic efforts by EMTs to stabilize him and rush him to the hospital.
For 42 excruciating hours, Ryley fought while on life support, surrounded by a heartbroken family who prayed for a miracle. Ultimately, medical teams confirmed the worst: he was pronounced brain dead. A life brimming with promise—a college athletic career, a profound faith, and a future with his fiancée Violet—was extinguished in a matter of hours. The shock of such a sudden, unexpected loss has left his parents, Michael and Brittanie, and his younger brothers, Cadyn and Greyson, facing an unimaginable void, turning the focus from athletic triumphs to enduring sorrow.
The Heart of a Cougar: A Legacy of Leadership and Kindness
Though his time at Cleary University was tragically brief, Ryley’s impact on the wrestling program was profound. His work ethic, humility, and dedication—qualities honed during his successful high school career as a Swan Valley Viking—made him a rare leader. He was a four-year varsity letter winner, a 100-match victor, and a mentor who gave generously back to the sport, coaching and guiding younger athletes. His teammates respected him not just for his skill, but for his unwavering moral compass and the way he quietly lifted everyone around him.
Ryley’s legacy is defined by his commitment to living fully. Aside from wrestling, he found his deepest connection to the world and his faith in the outdoors. The thrill of the hunt was, to him, a way of “feeling alive,” a connection to his Creator. This beautiful spirit is why his community is rallying behind the hashtag #LiveLikeRyley, a movement urging others to adopt his blend of positive energy, profound faith, and genuine kindness. His story is not just an obituary; it is a reminder to embrace life with the same fierce love and devotion he showed every day.
A Community Rallies: Carrying Ryley’s Light Forward
The grief over Ryley’s passing is collective, encompassing his family, his wrestling brothers, and all who were touched by his bright smile. As they prepare for a Celebration of Life at Swan Valley High School, the community’s support has manifested in tangible ways, including a fundraiser established to help Ryley’s parents with the significant medical expenses incurred during the emergency response and hospital stay. This outpouring of generosity is a testament to the character of the young man they lost.
Ryley’s story ends with the quiet conviction that his flame burns on in the hearts he touched. His favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” encapsulates the spirit of resilience and faith he carried throughout his 19 years. His life was short, but his impact was monumental, leaving a message that true strength lies not just in what you accomplish on the mat, but in how deeply and kindly you touch the lives around you.