Ryan King, a Standout Student and Athlete from School of the Osage, Tragically Killed in a Car Crash on Route MM – A Community Mourns His Loss
MILLER COUNTY, MO — The community of Lake Ozark, Missouri, is in deep mourning after the tragic loss of 20-year-old Ryan King, a recent graduate of School of the Osage and a beloved student-athlete. King, known for his hard work, dedication, and leadership, was involved in a devastating car crash on Thursday morning. This heartbreaking incident took place around 6:35 a.m. on Route MM, near the Community Ridge, previously known as “Pine Ridge,” when his 2013 Mazda CX-5 collided with a 1999 Ford F250 that had been stopped in traffic. The accident left King dead at the scene, and his loss has shaken the entire community.
The Tragic Accident and Its Impact
On the morning of Thursday, April 3, 2025, a collision occurred on Route MM in Miller County, Missouri, which led to the untimely death of Ryan King. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, King was driving his 2013 Mazda CX-5 in the westbound lane of Route MM when the vehicle struck a 1999 Ford F250. The Ford F250, driven by a 61-year-old male, had been stopped in traffic, likely due to a prior incident or obstruction.
The investigation revealed that both vehicles began to skid as they approached each other. In a tragic turn of events, Ryan King’s vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway and crossed into oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, the Ford F250 also crossed the centerline, and both vehicles collided. Emergency responders from the Lake Ozark Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene and transported King to the nearest hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:53 a.m.
Despite being properly restrained by a seatbelt at the time of the crash, Ryan King could not be saved. The driver of the Ford F250 was not seriously injured, but this tragic accident has had a lasting emotional impact on the families and communities involved.
A Community in Mourning
The death of Ryan King has left a void in the tight-knit community of Lake Ozark and the School of the Osage. King, who was not only a standout athlete but also a well-respected student and friend, was known for his infectious smile, work ethic, and dedication to both his team and his education. He was a beloved member of the Osage football team, where he served as team captain, wearing jersey number 81 with pride.
His legacy extends beyond the football field, as Ryan was known for his commitment to academics and his active involvement in extracurricular activities. King was particularly admired for his leadership skills and the positive influence he had on his peers and teammates. His coaches, teachers, and fellow students have expressed how deeply he will be missed, both for his athleticism and for his kind, supportive nature.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Osage community has come together to honor and remember Ryan. On the evening of April 3, 2025, members of the community gathered at the School of the Osage football field for a memorial service. As the sun set over the field, friends, family, and classmates stood in solidarity, sharing their love and grief for the young man whose life was cut short far too soon.
Remembering Ryan King: A True Leader, Teammate, and Friend
Former teammates, coaches, and friends of Ryan King have shared heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the indelible impact he made on their lives. Coach Shannon Joly, the head coach of the Osage High School football team, described Ryan as a “passionate, hardworking, and kind-hearted” individual who embodied the spirit of teamwork and leadership.
“Ryan was more than just a teammate; he was a brother, a friend, and a leader,” Coach Joly shared in a moving post on social media. “His presence on the field was unmatched, and his leadership extended far beyond the game. He was always there to encourage others, to lift them up when they were down, and to give his best in everything he did.”
King’s teammates, many of whom are still in high school or have gone on to pursue their own college dreams, have expressed how much they admired his dedication and his ability to inspire others. His work ethic on the football field was reflected in his approach to life—Ryan always gave 110%, whether it was in practice, in the classroom, or helping out in his community.
In the wake of his death, members of the Osage football team have pledged to continue honoring Ryan’s memory through their actions on and off the field. Many have expressed that they will wear number 81 as a tribute to their fallen teammate, ensuring that his legacy lives on.
The Legacy of a Leader: Ryan’s Community and Family
Ryan was much more than just an athlete—he was a dedicated son, brother, and friend. He was a proud member of the Osage community and had strong family ties that were central to his upbringing. Ryan’s parents, family members, and friends are struggling to come to terms with the loss, but they find comfort in knowing that he touched so many lives during his short time on this earth.
A memorial service for Ryan will be held later this week, and his family has asked for privacy as they grieve and prepare to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, they have requested donations be made to a scholarship fund in Ryan’s name, which will be used to help future students at the School of the Osage who show the same commitment to academics, athletics, and community that Ryan did.
Friends of Ryan have shared memories on social media, recounting how he always had a positive attitude, even in difficult situations. His infectious smile and determination left a lasting impression on those around him. Ryan was known for his kindness and his willingness to help anyone in need, whether it was offering a hand to a teammate or volunteering for community events.
The community of Lake Ozark, and especially the School of the Osage, has come together in support of Ryan’s family, honoring his memory through vigils, shared stories, and fundraising efforts to ensure that his legacy continues to live on. Several local businesses have pledged to help fund the Ryan King Memorial Scholarship, and plans are underway to name the football field in his honor.
The Ripple Effect: Impact on Friends and Family
In the days following the accident, messages of support have poured in from friends, family, and even former classmates who were inspired by Ryan’s dedication to everything he did. Many have shared stories of how Ryan’s influence reached far beyond the football field. Ryan was always the first to lend a helping hand, and he made it a priority to be a positive influence on everyone around him.
“He was a true leader. Not just on the field, but in the classroom and in his everyday life,” said one former classmate. “Ryan taught me what it means to work hard, to be a good friend, and to never give up. He always encouraged me to be better, and I’ll never forget that.”
Ryan’s family, including his parents and younger siblings, are heartbroken by the sudden loss. His mother, in particular, has expressed her grief publicly, thanking the community for their support and asking for prayers during this incredibly difficult time. She spoke of how Ryan had big dreams and a bright future ahead of him. “He was so full of life, and he had so much more to give,” she said in a tearful statement to local news outlets.
Looking to the Future: Keeping Ryan’s Spirit Alive
As the Osage community continues to process the shock of this loss, many are finding ways to keep Ryan’s spirit alive. From scholarships to memorial services, the community is rallying around Ryan’s family to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten.
Ryan King was more than just a student or an athlete—he was a force of positivity in a world that sometimes feels bleak. He inspired those around him with his passion, his work ethic, and his unwavering dedication to his friends, teammates, and community. While the pain of his loss will never fully heal, the memory of Ryan’s bright spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
In closing, Ryan King’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how fleeting life can be. He was taken far too soon, but his legacy will endure. His name will continue to be a source of pride for the School of the Osage, and his example of hard work, kindness, and leadership will inspire future generations to carry on his mission of making a difference in the world. Ryan’s family, friends, and the entire Osage community will carry his memory in their hearts for years to come.
Note: As of now, the investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather information. A final report will be released in the coming weeks.
