By Jim Shay
The Connecticut Post
MONROE, Conn. — The town is mourning the death of a 24-year-old volunteer firefighter who was killed in a motorcycle accident Monday night.
Just before 7 p.m. Monday, Forrest Ryan was traveling northbound on Main Street when his Harley-Davidson motorcycle crossed over the center line and into the southbound lane, hitting a Land Rover, according to Capt. Kevin White.
Police said Ryan, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered fatal injuries from the collision, police said. Two occupants of the Land Rover were transported to St. Vincent’s Medical Center for medical evaluation. The street was closed for several hours while police investigated, and the crash remains under investigation.
“It is with deep regret that the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of our member, Forrest Ryan,” the Monroe Fire Department posted on its Facebook page. “Forrest joined the department in 2009 and was an active firefighter serving our community for several years. Forrest was a hard-working member who always shared a smile and a joke, and would gladly do anything to help a fellow member in need. May he rest in eternal peace.”
According to his death notice, Forrest Ryan was born in Norwalk on April 6, 1992, he was a son of Robert J. Ryan Jr. and Jill M. Forrest Ryan, both of Monroe. “A lifelong town resident, Ryan was a member of the Masuk High School Class of 2010 and graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in 2012.
“He was working with County Electrical Construction and was preparing to take his E2 Exam. Forrest also owned and operated Forr-Ever Green Landscaping and was a member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department No.1 since 2009. He will be remembered for his zest for life, contagious laugh and the fact that he always put others before himself. He was hardworking, dedicated, loyal, respectful and it was a pleasure to be in his company. He was loved and admired by all. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed football, baseball, fishing, skydiving, BMX and boating,” his obituary read.
“Like the American eagle, Forrest felt a true sense of freedom when riding his Harley.”
Calling hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, at 11 a.m. Friday for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, Monroe.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department 18 Shelton Rd., Monroe, CT 06468. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com.
Many people posted comments on the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page offer condolences.
Lorraine Eisner Fitelson posted, “I had the pleasure of teaching Forrest when he was in Sixth grade at CHS. I remember him as a kind and sweet boy..I am so sad to hear of his passing.”
Lindsay Klemish wrote, “Deepest condolences to the entire Monroe community- so lucky to have met and known such a wonderful person. Rest easy, Forrest.”
Maria Zaborowski, “Forrest you are up w the Angels now...fly be free. Watch over thee.”
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