Tolland Mourning Loss of 23-Year-Old Former Star Wrestler

TOLLAND, CT — Residents in Tolland this week are mourning the loss of Ryan Angers, who was arguably one of the most successful and unique athletes in local high school history.

According to an obituary from the Small & Pietras Funeral Home, Angers died unexpectedly at the age of 23 on Jan. 16.

Angers was a celebrated wrestler at Tolland High School who also played soccer. In his 20s, he turned to adventure sports like cliff jumping, rock climbing and backcountry snowboarding, according to his obituary.

A funeral service is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Church on Tolland Green.

As a wrestler at Tolland High School, Angers and his brother, Michael, were a two-man team that placed 13th overall by themselves in the 2018 Connecticut State Open meet.

At 138 pounds in 2018, Ryan Angers decisioned Tyler Sung of New Canaan, 7-2 in the final and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. At 160 pounds that year, Izaake Zuckerman of Warde High School in Fairfield decisioned Michael Angers, 4-3, in the final and the 1-2 finishes were enough for the 13th place finish as a team. And at the 2018 state Class M meet, Ryan Angers took first via a fall in the final.

During the 2017 State Open at 132 pounds, Ryan Angers took third and he was second in the Class M meet. Additionally, at the 2016 State Open at 132 pounds, Ryan Angers was fourth and he finished third in the Class M meet. And in the 2015 State Open at 120 pounds, Ryan Angers was sixth and in the Class S meet, he was third.

A GoFundMe page states that in February 2022 Ryan Angers was involved in a pedestrian accident as he was "hit by a car while crossing the street in Colorado. He sustained serious injuries to his legs and head." The GoFundMe fundraiser closed in March 2022 after nearly $12,000 was raised to assist the family.

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