Golf outing memorializes former Sandburg student

Originally published June 15, 2017

Ryan Nash was just like any kid next door who had a huge infectious smile. He may have seemed a bit shy, but ask his family and huge circle of friends, they all know differently.

Ryan was a young man who always enjoyed the company of his friends.

“Our basement was always the place to hang out, listen to music, play video games and/or pool, and, of course, boys being boys, wrestle,” said Ryan’s mother, Krisan Nash. At the same time, he had a sensitive, sweet side and a great sense of humor, she said. He was an honor student at Carl Sandburg High School and a proud member of the Sandburg baseball team.

Then, five years ago, Ryan took his own life.

“All of this being said, his sudden tragic death five years ago left his father Dan, his only sister Niki, and myself, along with his friends and our entire Orland Park community in a state of utter shock,” Krisan Nash said.

“One of the scariest parts of this tragic loss is that no one saw it coming. In Ryan’s case, there were no glaring signs that you could see, as social media and TV shows imply there always are. There are many kids, like Ryan, that may be battling some type of anxiety, depression, and despair within their own mind and not expressing it openly, which is why I do believe it’s critical that we talk about suicide openly as we have done with drunk driving.”

With the help of her “amazingly selfless friends,” a committee was formed to establish the non-profit Ryan Nash Foundation to raise money to provide scholarships to students studying mental health, counseling, and/or social work.

This year, they provided scholarships to Saqndburg students Danielle Perk, Elizabeth Nelson and Nicole Horvath.

Ryan’s Third Memorial Golf Outing will tee off at 11:36 a.m. on Sunday, July 9 at Silver Lakes Golf Course, Orland Park with dinner following.

Last year’s outing raised nearly $11,000, and attracted more than 100 golfers. More than 34 baskets were raffled and there were 31 silent auctions.

Along with the scholarships, the foundation is sponsoring Loving Outreach to Suicide Survivors, which helps families of suicide victims.

“This organization was so crucial in my family’s loss during the days, weeks, and months after losing Ryan to suicide,” Krisan Nash said. “It’s been five years now and my family would agree that time doesn’t make the loss any easier. … We are somehow able to create something positive out of one of the worst tragedies for a family to endure. As long as I’m living, I will continue to honor Ryan by helping other families from having to go through this type of devastating loss, and continue to try to help those who have had to walk in these shoes as so many did for my family.”

Registration for the outing is open until July 6 and cost varies. Details are on The Foundation website at www.ryannashfoundation.com/.