Fundraiser Launched For Beloved Teacher Found Dead In Local Pond

After the tragic death of a local pre-school teacher, a GoFundMe page has been started in her honor to help the family handle the unexpected funeral expenses.

Ryan Stevyn Benjamin, 24, of Pottstown was found tied to a cinder block in a pond in East Coventry, the Chester County DA said.

Benjamin had graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, according to authorities. She was employed as a pre-K teacher.

The following note was attached to the page:

She enjoyed working with the children and truly understood the love and care young children need. She had a special place in her heart for children who had additional struggles.
Ryan traveled the world with her mother as a child/young adult. She has visited places such as China, Brazil and Argentina. She was fluent in Spanish and Sign Language. She a very intelligent young women who found her passion working with young children. She has been described by family and friends as humble and caring almost to a fault. While the investigation is still ongoing to determine what unfortunate circumstances led to her death, this Go Fund Me page has been started to help raise money for her family to help with the costs of her final expenses.

As of Wednesday, nearly $5,000 out of a goal of $10,000 had been raised by 108 people in six days.

Officials said they were able to identify Benjamin by unique body markings, including distinctive tattoos, rings, and other physical features.

Benjamin was found on Memorial Day in a pond connected to Pigeon Creek, a popular fishing and swimming hole. She was tied to a cinder block.

It's not yet clear how she died, as authorities say there were no clear markings on her, and that she was dead before she was put in the water.

"The person who dumped Ryan's body in the water knows what they did," Hogan said. "And knows that police are closing in. Every moment that this person stays on the run makes it look worse. This individual should come in to authorities now."

Anyone with any information, or anyone who may have had contact with Benjamin over Memorial Day weekend, is asked to contact Chester County Detective Sgt. Tom Goggin immediately at 610-344-6866.

Images courtesy Chester County DA's Office.