Son and brother, Ryan McGrath ends his life after dream Holden Calais VK stolen

When Ryan McGrath’s father died he purchased his dream car in his memory but when it was heartlessly stolen, his struggles all became too much.

Ryan McGrath, 31, tragically ended his life at the end of March. Picture: Supplied by family

When Ryan McGrath’s father died he used his inheritance to purchase the car of his dreams so whenever he sat in the car he felt like he was with his old man.

But when the original Holden Calais VK was stolen on February 18, Ryan’s already ill mental health took a turn and on March 29, his brother Reece McMullen tragically found him dead on their family farm in Eudunda.

“He felt like everything was turning against him and he lost everything,” the 23-year-old brother said.

“He (felt) he was a burden.”

Ryan with his blue heeler dog. Picture: Supplied by family

Ryan struggled with his mental health throughout his life. Picture: Supplied by family

His mother, Robyn Mercury had been in Pakistan since March 18 getting married at the time of the 31-year-old’s death.

When she received the call from Reece that her elder son had ended his life she booked the next flight home.

“I cried and cried and cried,” the 55-year-old mum said.

“We feel like Ryan is at peace and he came home to find peace and be with his dad.”

Ryan’s mum was in Pakistan when he died. Picture: Supplied by family

Following Ryan’s death, his closest friends gathered together to find his car, posting online to implore the thief to return the vehicle “no questions asked”.

“It got to the point that nearly 2000 people were on the hunt for it,” Mr McMullen said.

“Whoever had it either felt guilty for Ryan taking his life or they just knew it was too much and they couldn’t do anything with it so they went and dumped it in a paddock behind Davoren Park.”

When Mr McMullen and Ms Mercury found Ryan’s car they were extremely relieved.

“(We felt) we had a little piece of Ryan back, we got it back for him,” Mr McMullen said.

“I felt proud for my brother that all his mates stuck together and came together for him.”

Now Mr McMullen is working on the car to get it back in working order in time for his brother’s funeral.

Ryan’s friends managed to recover his car. Picture: Supplied by family

Ryan and his brother were best friends with a great relationship. Picture: Supplied by family

Mr McMullen said his older brother was best friends with everyone and they had a great relationship.

“He opened his door for just about anyone,” he said.

“He’d always sit down and have a chat no matter the situation and he’d never judge, he’d always listen.

“He always loved going down to the local pub and having a yarn with anyone, just socialising.”

He loved car shows, the countryside and was passionate about his work as a welder and a stonemason.

The younger brother said Ryan always struggled with his mental health.

If you’d like to donate to Ryan’s family, you can here.