Hingham Reflects on Death of Sean Ryan

The town of Hingham is mourning the death of 18 year-old Sean Dixon Ryan following an in which he fell off the bumper of a moving car.

The Hingham teen was described as a scholar and athlete and had just graduated from Hingham High School last week.  In just a few months he planned to attend Villanova University. As news of his death quickly spread around town, his friends, classmates, teachers and neighbors were left saddened and in disbelief.

“ [Hingham High School] is a very sad place at the moment,” athletic director Margaret Conaty said Monday morning.

Following the news of his death, Hingham High School offered counseling sessions to anyone in need on Sunday afternoon.  On Monday, Hingham High School principal Dr. Paula Girouard McCann started the school day with a moment of silence for Ryan and she met with his family.

McCann described Ryan as a good student and great athlete who tackled challenges.  She said he was quiet, yet as he grew at , he became more confident.

 “He was an engaging, fun kid.” McCann said. “It’s a terrible tragedy.”

On Monday, Hingham guidance counselors offered counseling all day to any students in need.  The school opened a lecture room and welcomed all students, including seniors who graduated, to create videos and photo collages of Ryan to help them reflect on the tragic death. Students could also meet privately with counselors.

Hingham High School football coach Paul Killenger was saddened by the loss of his senior player. Ryan played as an offensive and defensive lineman for the Harbormen and at times he was used as the team’s kicker. Coach Killenger described Ryan as a very hardworking, intelligent kid and said he was popular amongst his teammates.  The Hingham coach said Ryan didn't get confused with instructions and played where he was put.

 “[Sean] worked hard, never missed practice and when you asked him to do something he just said ‘O.K. coach’ and did it," Killenger said.

While many of Ryan’s classmates and family members were too sad to comment on the loss of their friend, many of them posted Facebook statuses about the tragic loss and posted photos of Ryan in their profile photos.

“Saddest thing i've ever heard, R.I.P Sean everyone's gonna miss you,” Hingham senior Alex Becker posted on Sunday.

On Saturday morning, Aaron Holden, a friend of Ryan posted, "Hingham is on pause today, remembering one of the greatest people the town will ever know.”

Hingham senior Ben Perkins posted a profile photo of him standing with Ryan on graduation day. Perkins wrote that he will watch the movie "Anchorman" in Ryan’s honor.   “Too soon man, too soon...gonna miss you in Philly next year. Love you man,” Perkins wrote on Saturday night following the news of his death.

Ryan’s classmates along with Hingham High School and the Ryan Family are starting a scholarship in his name, McCann said. Donations may be made to the Sean Ryan Memorial Fund, c/o Eastern Bank, 274 Main St., Hingham, MA 02043 .

Ryan is survived by his father Michael Ryan and mother Valerie (Putman) Ryan both of Hingham; three sisters, Michaela Ryan of Hingham, Catania Larson of Arkansas, and Chandra Holstein of Oklahoma and two brothers, Patrick J. “P.J.” Ryan and Christopher Ryan, both of Hingham.

Visiting hours are from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at in Hingham. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Church of the Resurrection in Hingham on 1057 Main St.

Ryan’s family was contacted by Patch and would not comment on his death.