Seamus Ryan: Warwick community united in grief after sudden loss of young gentleman, sports star

An outpouring of grief and support has flowed from a tight-knit southern Queensland community left heartbroken by the tragic sudden death of a talented athlete at the age of 20.

Seamus Ryan with partner of five years Stephanie Lockhart at the Assumption College formal in 2018. Picture: NRM

The southern Darling Downs town of Warwick has been left shocked and heartbroken by the sudden death of Seamus Ryan, a young man being remembered for his kindness, talent and impact on the wider community.

The 20-year-old tragically died after suffering a seizure in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Grappling with the shock and devastation of losing their beloved son so young, parents Brendan and Sharon Ryan told the Daily News their family wanted to remember Seamus as an accomplished and talented young man.

“We’re forever proud of the son we had. He lived a life by his convictions, he lived a life that was rich in faith and full of learning,” Mr and Mrs Ryan said.

“He knew that he had come into this world with nothing and would leave with nothing except for the love he left behind.”

One of Seamus’ keenest pursuits was breeding native Australian birds, with his 100-strong collection now including at least one pair of birds from each state.

It was a passion the young man shared with his dad, and Mr Ryan will continue to nurture the birds in his son’s honour.

Seamus’ younger sisters Nella and Niamh said they idolised their big brother, who was often more like a third parent and would always be a role model to them.

Seamus Ryan with sisters Niamh and Nella and mum Sharon at the Warwick Show in 2013. Photo Georja Ryan / Warwick Daily News

He attended Warwick Christian College until Year 9 before moving to Assumption College, where he met his high school sweetheart and partner of five years Steph Lockhart.

Seamus purchased his first property at 19 years old, and he and Steph had plans to eventually purchase the family’s 16-acre hobby farm and make it their own.

The young man was also a dedicated member of the Warwick Baptist Church and New Hope Church.

Brendan and Seamus Ryan enjoy the Warwick Christian College Bargains and Buskings Fair. Photo Michael Cormack / Warwick Daily News

Renowned for his success as an athlete, Seamus proudly represented the Warwick and Allora Swimming Clubs, Warwick Wolves, and Collegians Junior Rugby League Club throughout his sporting career.

Kicking off his competitive swimming at age seven, Seamus won his first Darling Downs age championship at nine and went on to earn a slew of medals and titles on representative teams.

Allora head coach Andrew Fidge said he was devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of the talented young man he’d worked with for more than a decade.

Assumption College age champions (back from left) Seamus Ryan, Nicholas Blakemore,(middle) Luke Hauff, Caitlin Skaines, Lily Osborne, Cooper Seng,(front) Matthew Blakemore, Jackson Pitstock, Ella Briggs, Faith Kelly, Mary Higgins, Samantha McMahon at WIRAC for the swimming carnival.

“It’s just going to leave a big hole in the community – in the swimming community, the Warwick community, schools, and football,” he said.

A statement from the Allora Swimming Club released on social media paid further tribute to their beloved teammate, remembering both his talent and good-natured spirit.

“Seamus was a technically superb breaststroke swimmer, a pleasure to teach with his good humour and larrikin nature,” it read.

“Seamus had a unique wisdom beyond his age, he was a true gentleman of his word and he crammed abundant life into his 20 years, enough to leave an imprint on the hearts of all who knew him.”

The young Warwick man had been a dedicated member of the team at W Carey & Sons Quality Meats since he was 13, starting as a wash-up boy before progressing to a butchery apprenticeship.

He became a fully qualified tradesman in October last year.

W.Carey and Sons Quality Meats (from left) apprentice Seamus Ryan, owner Wayne Carey and apprentice Jack Blake after they won first prize for ham and bacon at the Australian Meat Industry Council Queensland Regional Smallgoods Competition.

His employer and mentor Wayne Carey said Seamus was an honest and reliable worker who could be entrusted with duties of those well beyond his years.

“He didn’t treat it just as a job, he treated it like his own. There’s not a lot of young ones who do that these days,” Mr Carey said.

“He was just a kid ahead of his time – he’s a kid you left in charge confidently, and he could handle any situation.

“Away from work, there was never an issue with how he treated people. He was just a good kid from our community.”

Following the tragic death of Assumption College parent Nick Cooper on Monday, school principal Simon Fleming said the loss of both the beloved father and Seamus made it a trying week for the community.

“These losses have raised many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire college, especially our students,” Mr Fleming wrote.

“Please keep the Cooper and Ryan families in your thoughts and prayers and may God’s love be with them.”

Assumption College has postponed all Father’s Day events out of respect for the families.

Seamus’ family is yet to finalise funeral arrangements.

Originally published as Seamus Ryan: Warwick community united in grief after sudden loss of young gentleman, sports star