GhLinks Media
South Whitley is grieving the untimely death of Ryder Sroufe, who passed away on January 15, 2025, following an accident in Michigan.
Details about the accident remain unclear, but the impact of his death is deeply felt.
Ryder was a well-loved figure in South Whitley, known for his warm personality, love for motorsports, and dedication to the South Whitley Youth League (SWYL).
The SWYL’s official Facebook page shared a moving tribute, saying: “We send our condolences and prayers for peace and comfort to Ryder’s friends and family. He was a loyal and dedicated member of the SWYL family, spending countless nights umpiring baseball and softball games. Ryder was a mentor to younger umpires and treated everyone with kindness. He will be greatly missed.”
His father, Craig Sroufe, also expressed his heartbreak, saying: “I love you more than words can express, and I will miss you so much. RIP, my son. I’m beyond heartbroken.”
Friends have honored Ryder’s memory with touching messages. One close friend wrote:
“Fly high, Ryder! You will be missed by so many. You can have unlimited demo derbies and show them how it’s done!”
Ryder was a Columbia City native and graduated from Columbia City High School in 2018.
He had worked at Faztek Industrial Solutions since 2018 and was engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Kacie Colby, in December 2022.
