A Michigan woman, Ky-El McRae, had her life turned upside down when her fiancé, Ryan Starnes, tragically passed away just five weeks before their scheduled wedding. Ryan, a 23-year-old man from Michigan, lost his life in a devastating workplace accident. The couple, who shared a 6-year-old son named Luke, were looking forward to tying the knot in August. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Ky-El shared heart-wrenching details of her last moments with Ryan and how their family is coping with the devastating loss.
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Recalling the night before the tragedy, Ky-El remembered how Ryan repeatedly expressed his love for her while drifting off to sleep. She described how peaceful and happy he looked while sleeping, cherishing those tender moments. The following day, Ky-El received the distressing news of Ryan’s accident just 15 minutes after they had been texting. Overwhelmed with shock and numbness, she rushed to the hospital to be by his side, unsure of how to react in the face of such tragedy.
The couple’s son, Luke, who is nonverbal and autistic, is struggling to comprehend the absence of his father. Ky-El expressed her hope that with time, Luke will be able to understand and come to terms with the loss. Reflecting on Ryan’s joyful personality, Ky-El recalled his beautiful smile and infectious laughter that lit up any room. She highlighted Ryan’s playful and humorous nature, emphasizing the importance of taking each day as it comes while navigating life as a family without him.
Ryan’s mother, Katrina Skoczylas, shared a poignant memory of her last time spent with her son, just a week before his untimely passing. She recounted a cherished moment of fishing together on a boat, surrounded by love and laughter, reflecting on the pride and love she felt for Ryan. Grateful for that final memory of joy and togetherness, Katrina treasures the special bond they shared in their last moments. In honour of Ryan’s memory and to support Luke’s future, Ryan’s grandfather started a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and provide for the family’s needs.
The fundraising efforts have touched the hearts of many, raising over $37,000 to date. The overwhelming support and outpouring of generosity from the community serve as a beacon of hope for the grieving family as they navigate this difficult chapter. The memories and love shared by Ryan, Ky-El, and their son Luke continue to live on through the legacy they built together. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable loss.
As Ky-El McRae and her family come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of Ryan Starnes, they find solace in the memories they shared and the love that binds them together. The support and compassion shown by friends, family, and strangers alike underscore the strength of community in times of adversity. May their journey towards healing be filled with moments of comfort, peace, and the unwavering presence of love that transcends all boundaries.