Author: Charlie Sam

Jack Bryan Obituary Illinois – Hinsdale Community Mourns the Loss of 16-Year-Old Student in Tragic Suicide

Hinsdale, IL – April 9, 2025 — A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Hinsdale community as news emerges of the death of a Hinsdale Central High School student who died by suicide on the afternoon of April 8. The 16-year-old boy, identified by his family as Jack Bryan, died after deliberately crashing his family’s van into a tree near Elm School on South Elm Street.

Emergency responders were called to the scene around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday following reports of a severe single-vehicle crash with entrapment in the 5800 block of South Elm Street. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle heavily damaged on the lawn of a residence. According to Hinsdale Fire Department’s Battalion 84, the teen was unconscious and not breathing when extricated from the vehicle. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Jack’s father, Dan Bryan, shared a heartfelt tribute online:
“This is Jack. Smart, funny, and with a huge heart. Jack took his own life yesterday, April 8th, by crashing the family van into a tree at high speed near Elm School in Hinsdale. We are so thankful for the short 16 years that he was alive and will miss him forever. Rest in peace, my son. We all love you and go with God.”

Jack was a student at Hinsdale Central High School, where he was known for his wit, compassion, and quiet thoughtfulness that left a lasting impression on those who knew him. While the school did not release Jack’s name in an official capacity, Principal William C. Walsh issued a letter to students, families, and staff expressing condolences and urging the community to come together during this difficult time.

“It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you that a current Hinsdale Central student passed away in the afternoon of April 8. On behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this very difficult time.”

In the letter, Walsh emphasized the importance of watching for signs of grief or emotional distress in students. Counseling services are available both within the school and through local mental health resources.

Resources and Support

School Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists are available on-site for students in need of support.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 for free, confidential support.

Referral GPS: A tool to locate local mental health services.

The Community House Counseling Center: Call 630-323-7500 Ext. 239.

This loss is a devastating reminder of the silent battles some young people face. In honoring Jack’s memory, many in the community are calling for renewed conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, and how to better support teens navigating life’s pressures.

Jack’s loved ones remember him as bright, kind-hearted, and deeply loved. As the Hinsdale community begins to grieve and process this unimaginable loss, may we hold space for compassion, understanding, and support for one another, especially for those who may be silently struggling.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.
Call or text 988 for free, 24/7, confidential support.

Rest in peace, Jack Bryan.
September 22, 2008 – April 8, 2025
A cherished son, friend, and forever part of the Red Devil family.

Richard Wells Jr. Obituary Lexington, KY — April 9, 2025 — The University of Kentucky community and the world of collegiate baseball are mourning the untimely passing of Richard “Richie” Wells Jr., who died on April 7, 2025, at just 26 years old. A vital member of the UK Baseball program since 2019, Richie served as Assistant Athletic Trainer and was deeply cherished by players, coaches, and staff alike.

Born on September 22, 1998, and raised in the Bronx, New York, Richie was a proud graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School, where his passion for athletics and service first took root. He went on to study at SUNY Cortland and later the University of Kentucky, where his dedication to sports medicine, athlete wellness, and building relationships set him apart.

Richie’s journey took him from New York real estate, with stints at Melia Realty Group and Keller Williams, to the bluegrass fields of Lexington, Kentucky, where he found his true calling in athletic training. His time at the UK was nothing short of impactful. From 2019 through the team’s run to the College World Series, Richie was there, taping ankles, offering encouragement, and bringing an infectious energy to the dugout and beyond.

In a statement shared by Kentucky Baseball, the program reflected on the tremendous loss:
“Richie was special. He was a massive part of our program—from 2019 through our College World Series run—and we already miss him greatly. His spirit, his loyalty, and his love for our players made him more than a trainer; he was family.”

More than a trainer, Richie was a mentor, friend, and trusted confidant. His players knew they could count on him not just for physical support, but for a listening ear and unwavering positivity. With his signature blend of Bronx toughness and Kentucky warmth, Richie bridged backgrounds and brought people together.

“Richie always showed up day in, day out. He loved his job, he loved the guys, and he gave everything he had,” said a member of the Wildcats’ athletic department. “There was no one like him.”

Away from the field, Richie’s charisma was equally magnetic. Friends remember him as the guy who never missed a birthday, who brought joy to every room, and who stayed fiercely loyal to those he cared about. He embodied the heart of both the Bronx and the Big Blue Nation.

Richie’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his legacy—in locker rooms, in friendships, and in the hearts of so many—will live on. He is survived by family, teammates, colleagues, and countless young athletes whose lives he touched through compassion, grit, and love for the game.

Funeral and memorial service details will be shared by the family at a later time.

In Loving Memory
Richard “Richie” Wells Jr.
September 22, 1998 – April 7, 2025
Forever part of the Brotherhood. Forever Big Blue Nation.