Ryan Victor Snyder, a 19-year-old business student at the University of Georgia, died on December 5, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound the day before, leaving a close-knit family and broad circle of friends in deep mourning. The circumstances surrounding his death began on December 4th when Ryan reportedly shot himself with a firearm he had rented at the Athens Gun Club off Atlanta Highway; he passed away the following day back home in St. Louis.
Friends and family remember Ryan as someone with a sharp mind and kind presence who brought laughter into every room. At UGA, where he was beginning to chart his future in business, classmates recall his warmth, curiosity, and the ease with which he connected with people. Beyond his campus life, Ryan had distinguished himself in high school athletics, playing basketball, volleyball, and wrestling, and had earned a place in the National Honor Society — passions that spoke to both his competitive spirit and his commitment to teamwork.
Ryan’s interests extended far beyond academics and sports. Those who knew him talk about his love for movies, poker nights, and the outdoors — moments that painted a picture of a young man who relished laughter and honest connection. Known for his “wonderfully dry sense of humor,” he had a way of lifting the mood of any group he was with, a quality that deepened the affection friends held for him.
One of the most cherished parts of Ryan’s life was the community he found at Six Points, a Jewish sports camp in North Carolina that became a second home to him. There, he forged bonds that lasted years and shaped his sense of belonging. Whether on a field or around a campfire, Ryan’s ability to bring people together was a recurring theme in the stories shared after his passing.
Family was central to Ryan’s world. He delighted in simple joys: board game nights around the family table, animated fantasy football discussions, and holiday gatherings that stretched across generations. In one cherished league, he competed alongside his brother, cousins, uncle, father, and grandfather — memories his family says will forever be treasured.
A private burial service for Ryan was held at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield, where loved ones gathered quietly to say their goodbyes. In the days that followed, the family sat shiva at their residence, offering a space for remembrance, reflection, and shared grief.
To celebrate his life more publicly, a memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, December 14th at 1:30 p.m. at Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis, with a livestream available for those who cannot attend in person. In lieu of flowers, the family has invited donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Foundation for Jewish Camp, or a charity of the donor’s choice — gestures they hope will channel the love Ryan inspired into lasting support for others.
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