WESTFIELD – A gathering of more than 125 family, friends and neighbors showed their support yesterday for Kerry Lee Ryan, mother of seven-year-old Michael Ryan who was killed in a tragic accident last week.
The candlelight vigil, organized by a neighbor, was held at the scene of the accident at Montgomery Road and Prospect Street.
Rev. James Montoro of Pioneer Valley Baptist Church on Ponders Hollow Road said Ryan is a devoted member of the church and is using her faith to get her through this terrible time.
“I believe it was the mayor who said he can’t believe how her faith and family has kept her so strong,” said Montoro.
The Pioneer Valley Baptist Church was a second home to the Ryans, where young Michael took pride in greeting congregates each Sunday.
“He loved holding the door for everyone and gave people a hug as they came in each Sunday morning,” said Montoro. “No matter what the weather, Michael was holding that door.”
Montoro said now is the time for faith to guide the family.
“We don’t know the purpose God has for everybody, but we know Michael, in his short life, touched hundreds of people,” said Montero this morning. “That was evident at the vigil last night.”
Montoro described Michael as carefree and happy and said he could often be found on the church’s playground.
“He was always on that playground,” he said. “There could literally be 20-inches of snow and Michael would be playing out there.”
To honor Michael’s memory, Pioneer Valley Baptist Church plans to construct a new Michael Ryan Memorial Playground. Montoro said donations of time and money from the community are appreciated in the church’s efforts to honor Michael.
Michael was killed May 21 while riding his bike. A dump truck struck Michael at the intersection of Montgomery and Prospects streets.
The accident is still under investigation and the driver of the truck’s name has not been released. A statement from District Attorney Mark Mastroianni noted that Michael, riding a bicycle with training wheels, did stop before crossing the street and that the driver used “evasive measures” before striking the child.
