It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ryan Garcia, beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, and friend. He was a passenger in a fatal car crash on September 30, 2024 at the age of 26.

Ryan was a light-up-the-room person—one of those people who lift the mood just by walking in. He brought joy with him wherever he went; always smiling with his huge grin, always doing a little dance, even without music. He made everyone feel welcome. He truly was just happy to be here.

Growing up with four siblings and eight cousins meant lots of big family gatherings. We’d all play games, dance with our Nana, and get together for family events like holidays, baby showers, birthday parties. Ryan was always there. For so many years he never had a car in LA, but through a truly impressive combo of skateboarding and public transit, he could get anywhere. He just figured it out. And no matter how long he was sitting on a bus, he always walked in with a smile, ready to bring the positive vibes. In fact, you’d often catch him in one of his favorite sweatshirts, with “Good Vibes” in big white letters across the front.

No surprise, then, that Ryan was known locally as “Skater Boy Ryan.” You could easily catch him skating and practicing tricks. Or, you might find him slinging packages for Amazon, or working in sales outside Costco using his charming personality to connect with others. He was just one of those naturally cool guys—friendly, good-natured, so easy to love.

And he loved everyone back.  He made time for things like long phone calls to catch up, hanging with his many friends, family time, and special trips to see his Nana—they recently spent a few days together dancing to latin music at the Redlands bowl. On his 26th birthday, he spent the day helping his cousin Jack move into his new home. And we know there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

Ryan showed up, and he loved well. It’s a legacy he leaves with us as an inspiration, and a challenge—to continue making time for each other, to be together, to simply be, as he was, happy to be here.

We love you Ryan. For the rest of our lives there will be an empty seat where you should be sitting. We will miss you always. Until we meet again.

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If you would like to support the Garcia family, you can do so at the Give page.  In the Memories page, we’d love to read your memories and see your photos with Ryan. Thank you.

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