Ryan Davis, 1979 - 2013

Been out of the loop, turned on the Bombcast and got the news tonight... had to sit down and just breathe for a minute. He had the power to connect with all of us over distance and time, and if we're feeling so torn up about this I can't imagine how the Giant Bomb family is feeling. Don't know what else to say. Dude was too awesome to leave us so soon.

I didn't see him mention it directly and conclusively -- but he did say something to the effect of how serious sleep apnea is and how vital it is that you take it seriously if you have it.

I mean, it doesn't *really* matter, except . . . well, if your best friend dies (or someone that feels like a best friend), it is pretty normal to practically obsess over "how, why?!".

It didn't seem real to me until today. I listened to the Bombcast, saw all the tweets and news stories, but it didn't really get to me. Then I watched the mailbag and saw Ryans desk covered in flowers and holy shit.. Got me like a train. Just broke down crying there and then. Goddammit Ryan, we're all going to miss you. So damn much.

It's actually comforting to know that I'm not the only person crying their eyeballs out In the shower over Ryan's passing. I want to thank everyone for commenting, hopefully we can help ease each other's sorrow. And, Ryan, I'll miss you. I'll see you on the other side, buddy.

I'm so sad right now.. We will miss him dearly

@branthog: reading his dad's twitter I notice he has been talking about Apnea today almost nonstop, admonishing peopel to take it seriously/get checked/linking resources etc. and he retweeted two of Ryan's July 3rd tweets about it.

I hesitate to put words in his mouth, but I think he is sending a message deliberately by doing so.

Agreed. I wasn't suggesting that wasn't the cause. Just that, from what I have read of his messages so far, they have not conclusively and directly stated it (though it is pretty obvious, reading between the lines).

I don't know how I feel about that being the case. As a big heavy unhealthy guy myself (a little older than Ryan), I don't know if "well, it wasn't necessary just his own self-controlled health that caused this" is better or "shit, his clock was punched, no matter what" is better. I mean, insofar as how human beings rationalize in their own heads and try to deal with losing someone. Obviously, both are shit and both suck and neither brings him back... :/

Anyway, it is kind of crazy to listen to all these other podcasts and shows I regularly consume and hear them paying their respects. I've never seen this done so across-the-board in this industry. Ryan, of anyone, absolutely deserves the love and respect.

I never would have thought the death of someone I never met or knew personally could affect me so badly, but watching and listening to everyone at giant bomb for hundreds if not thousands of hours over the years you feel like extended family.

Thanks Ryan, you will be missed.

Much love to Ryan's family and everyone at GB through this rough time.

@branthog:

I know you didn't man, I was just confirming what you noticed. That it was heavily implied but not explicitly said. Sorry if it came across otherwise.

Yeah it's been really great to see the outpouring of affection. Ryan really set a great example in many respects on how to live life. Too many of us, myself especially included, are afraid to screw up or be true to ourselves. Ryan struck me as a really good dude who loved fun and people.

The "how" of part of his departure isn't what I think is important and like you said it's not like anything can be done about it now. I'd rather the focus be on what him made so special and great.

The big assumption I think people make is that it may have been preventable. And that's probably a very unfair one as Apnea can have lots of causes from what I understand. Not too mention people do crazy dangerous things everyday without a second thought (e.g. driving to work, quite a bit more dangerous than walking there or taking mass transit.).

As a rather personally frightening coincidence, I actually have a pre-existing appointment at a Sleep clinic (set back in June) to get checked for Apnea next week. Not too mention that I'm the same age as Ryan and I'm under a ton of life stress despite otherwise being fairly healthy. So I'm a little extra freaked out now as you can guess. Depending on how it goes I may blog about it after I go since the community is hyper aware right now.

I haven't been online recently and just learned of this terrible news today. I am truly heart broken personally and for all the fans and most of all Ryan's friends and family. My condolences and prayers to all. I know this has been said by many, but I will echo that although Ryan didn't know me, he made me feel like a friend. I have been listening to Bombcast weekly for over 6 years now. Ryan has given me countless hours of joy and entertainment. And its only someone that gives you so much joy that it hurts that much more when that person is gone :( .... .Ryan, you will be missed by many!

RIP Ryan.

He's making the hereafter a little more charmingly garrulous.

I've been on vacation since July 4th, with little to no Internet connectivity, and just out of curiosity checked GB on a motel computer today.

I'm numb, and this whole thing feels so incredibly surreal.

You've kept me entertained for a lot of years Mr. Davis, and you've changed the way I consume Internet content in an immeasurable way. God speed, and my thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family, friends, and the awesome Giant Bomb community that Ryan helped foster.

Incredibly numb.

I don't know if any of you read Achewood, but this strip from 2009 is a pretty apt description of moving on after the passing of a person like Ryan. http://www.achewood.com/?date=06282009

This isnt fucking fair. You are not supposed to die on your godamned honeymoon. Not after the happiest day of your life..

God fucking damnit that makes me so fucking angry.

Man...rest in peace brotha

I found out at work and it was a terrible afternoon after that. I held it all until I was alone in my bed with the AC on loud and cried and hoped my wife couldn't hear. I felt better after that and again after the Bombcast but the last minute nearly had me losing it again at a stoplight.

I don't really cry. Ryan really made an imprint on me as does everyone on the Bombcast. I cried over the loss ofy Tuesday buddy who was so much more to many people. You'll always be in our hearts.

I've looked at this article like 15 times over the past few days, I still can't believe it

I am still in shock. My heart goes out to Ryan's friends and family. Miss you Ryan :(

I just found out about this today, I'm in shock. I can't believe this, and I'm actually crying. Even though I didn't know Ryan personally, but he has been a part of my life for the last 10 years or so. I don't even know what to say, this is a profound loss not only for Giant Bomb but for the world. My condolences go out to his wife, family and friends.

Same here. I'm glad this is here to confirm that all of this is real, because my brain just isn't capable of believing it. I've read and viewed countless tributes, but I still feel like any second now someone's going to tell me it was all a terrible joke.

Ryan will never be forgotten.

I still cant believe he's gone. Such a great man that touched so many lives without ever meeting him. A true genuine guy with no edge, a truly beautiful human being who will be missed greatly. Like many good people, he left on the train just to damn early.

I can't believe it ! Ryan was one of my favourite game-journalists ! That's a big loss....

Started listening to the Giant Bombcast about a month and a half ago, so not a long-time fan but nevertheless shocked. My thoughts are with Ryan's family and friends at this difficult time.

It's strange. You guys share so much of yourself in running this site, and it shows. It's a tribute both to your work and your personalities that this works so well, and it's truly a joy to watch your shows. You need never have any existential crisis even about what you do - it's a great thing.

Even if this is mostly a "real-only" relationship, I feel it very sad to hear the news of Ryan Davis passing, and wanted to say that, and wish you all well.

I work in a place where allot of sadness like this is unavoidable and daily, and just wanted to remind that this too shall pass, even if it is never any solace in hearing that for those who grieve.

I was at work when I found out through the July 9th podcast that Ryan had passed; and my heart dropped. He was one of my favorite personalities on that show, and it is a real shame that he was taken so early in life. I had been there all those years ago when Jeff and Ryan were still at GameSpot (the first time around) and when Giant Bomb first took off. I loved listening to them joking around, much like today, and give reviews on different, off-the-wall beverages that they had found in the area. I enjoyed listening to that latter segment especially. I had stopped listening to the podcast and recently only picked it back up a couple months ago. And I couldn't wait for the next one to upload every week. Because when you're listening to a podcast, you feel like you're in the room with the people you are listening to. I'm sure everyone feels the same way, but I felt close to everyone talking. To find out that Ryan had passed was unbelievable. It still feels very surreal to me; which is interesting, having not met him in person. But he felt like a friend to me, and it's not going to feel the same without him. Rest in peace, sweet prince. You will be sorely missed by all your family, friends, and fans.

Same here...

He, I, oh...

I'm so, so sorry. My deepest sympathies to his wife and everyone who knew him.

I'm listening to the podcast and crying and I can't see what I'm typing. I'm... It's my 32nd birthday tomorrow. He was only two years older than me? Fuck.

I'm gonna miss him.

No no no no, I refuse to accept this.

I have been following Ryan and the rest of the Giant Bomb crew when they where on Gamespot, 12 years ago i'am now 32, rest in peace Ryan.

From Portugal

Condolences to Ryan's family and friends and the whole GiantBomb crew :-(

I propose:

Instead of a "Fuck Ryan Davis" t-shirt - change the grammar a little to:

"Fuck, Ryan Davis"

I'd wear that with pride.

Oh my...this so sad; I am finding this out very late because I have not really been using my computer. I just lost my mother on Tuesday July 9th, just like Ryan's death it was sudden and unexpected. It has been really tough, so I know what Ryan's family and everyone at Giant Bomb is going through right now. RIP Ryan, I hope you are in a peaceful place. My condolences to Ryan's family and to everyone at Giant Bomb.

Dan Porter

Many prayers and condolences. Whatever the shirt may be I will buy it immediately.

awesome. I'd buy that in a second.

Very sad. Like many here, I have spent years listening to you guys on the podcast and watching vids on the site. It's the first time I've ever been affected by the passing of someone I didn't know personally. I think it's important that you guys know that I really appreciate the hours of entertainment you have brought me and I will now always feel it was a great shame that I never communicated this to Ryan.

Maybe all of these videos with Ryan in them will make me feel better? Hell yeah they do!

OMG, I can't....

RIP Mr Davis.

You will be missed.

I'm so upset. I really liked Ryan. I never met him but in could tell he was one of life's enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, artists and gentleman. A great guy who appeared to infect those around him with goodwill. RIP duderino. The world is not as good with you in it.

:'(

I am in absolute shock right now .....

35 years old is not when you're supposed to die .....

To all his family and his new wife , all the best in the time to come . Please know we are with you in this dark hour in spirit and share your pain ....

Rayn was an absolute light in this world , a light of kindness and good hearted nature ..

We will miss him ...

I really want to cry to see if I can finally can get rid of this weight that is on my shoulders since Monday... Then again I think I still can't believe that he's gone and we'll never see him again. Even after watching the mailbag and seeing his desk full of flowers, I was still hoping he showed up and start to laugh with all of this. He didn't...

I sadly found out about his passing on the podcast, I wake up every morning at 5 a.m. I go into work, and while I open up my restaurant, I listen to everything new possible on the site whether its a pod cast or a video, quick looks, Mail bags, etc. I just love hearing everyone's voice on this site and it will not be the same with out his. You all have became a constant to me and my mornings are just not the same with our you there.

When I found out about Ryan's death I couldn't believe my ears, Hell I didn't even read the description of the podcast and I missed the first 10 minutes of it cause I was in the back room gathering supplies for my open. At first I thought this was a funny joke about him getting married and you guys "lost a friend to marriage". I went to the back to read the podcast episode description and my heart sank I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. I had a lot of mixed emotions. No one close to me in my life has passed away, I didn't know my grandparents so I do not count them. I couldn't believe the amount of sadness I felt.

I will never get to hear his voice in another recording again and It's hard to tell people who don't already know about Giant Bomb that an amazing man has been lost and how much it effects me. I can only imagine how much his actual friends and family feel and I send my condolences. We will miss you and I hope nothing changes at Giant Bomb although I'm sure every day he is missed and in their thoughts. To all you working for Giant Bomb, I do not know how you stay strong and continue working every day with such a large part of the company missing but please, continue your greatness for Ryan and for all of us, your fans and your family.

Thank you and R.I.P. Ryan Davis.

Knate

R.I.P Ryan Davis, you will be greatly missed!

R.I.P. Ryan. You will be missed. :(

Just remembered how much I laughed when Ryan mentioned the "Truck Test" in the last podcast he did.

in honor of ryan I will be going bat shit crazy buying up stuff on the steam summer sale:) Heads up if no knew but steam has pretty awesome sales going on right now (sarcastic voice).

It's amazing to see people all over the world being so upset by the passing of someone they never even met. It's a testament to how much he really did for the gaming community and what a great man he was.

Thankyou, Ryan. From the very bottom of my heart, thankyou.