Town mourns loss of Hingham teen

By Jessica Bartlett, Town Correspondent

Just days after 18-year old Sean Ryan graduated from Hingham High School, the news of his death struck a blow to the town.

The senior, who was known for his athleticism and friendliness to many members of the community, died on June 11 after falling off of a moving car. He was planning to attending Villanova University in the fall.

According to police, the teen hopped on the rear bumper of a friend’s car near his house in what family members believe was a joke.

His girlfriend got into the car and the operator, 19-year-old Nicholas Okeefe, drove a short distance to Ryan’s driveway. When the two looked for Ryan, they found him lying unconscious in the road.

Ryan was taken to South Shore Hospital with severe injuries shortly thereafter, and was taken off life support on Saturday night. He was an organ donor.

While the investigation is ongoing, friends, family, and those who knew Ryan have come together to mourn his death and celebrate his short life.

“Everyone has the same mindset, coming together, being there for each other, being there for the family. Trying to help each other out to make each other feel better,” said Ryan’s friend Oliver Sullivan, who had played football with the graduate and had known him since fourth grade. “His friends just feel disbelief.”

Hingham High held a gathering on Sunday to remember the senior, who many say was always in good spirits. Additionally, the school has set up a room for students and parents who wish to come together to mourn the loss.

“My memory of him is how he always had a smile on his face every school day. He had a happy attitude,” Sullivan said.

“He was a very nice kid. Very bright kid, a good teammate,” agreed varsity football coach Paul Killinger.

Ryan would not only play football during his four year career at Hingham High, but would also excel in basketball, lacrosse, and even rugby his senior year.

The senior was hoping to play rugby at college in the fall, Killinger said.

“It’s a tragedy,” Killinger said. “He has a sister who’s a freshman, so it’s tough on her. But it’s a loss. It’s hard because they are seniors and they just left a week ago … It’s a shock.”

The football team will retire his number in his memory. There will also be a senior award named in his honor. Additionally the family plans to establish a memorial fund in his name. Donations may be made to the Sean Ryan Memorial Fund, c/o Eastern Bank, 274 Main St., Hingham, MA 02043.

Ryan was the son of Michael Ryan & Valerie (Putman) Ryan, both of Hingham. He leaves behind brother of Michaela Ryan of Hingham, Catania Larson of Arkansas, Chandra Holstein of Oklahoma, Patrick J. “PJ” Ryan & Christopher Ryan both of Hingham.

The town will host a celebration of life at Resurrection Catholic Church on Main Street on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Visiting is today from 3 to 8 p.m. at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham.