Ryan Nash, 1977-2015

If you’ve lived long enough in the Eastern Sierra, you might think you’ve gotten used to tragedy. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of living in mountain towns that sometimes the adventurous spirits who call these places home burn out young. The truth is, you never get used to it. And in such close-knit communities, every death cuts deep.

Mammoth local Ryan Nash, 37, died on Monday, July 20, after a 60-foot fall while rock climbing in Clark Canyon. According to the Mono County Sheriff’s Department, Ryan was pronounced dead on the scene. The cause of death appeared to be injuries from the fall.

News of Ryan’s death spread quickly among family and friends. As a resident of Mammoth for almost 20 years, Ryan touched many lives, creating a family of friends who took to Facebook to share their shock, grief, and love.

Jacob Pellegrini said Ryan’s death still didn’t feel real. “He guided me through my twenties, showed me the way when I was growing the most,” Jacob said. “He was there for me when I needed guidance, a tattoo, or to be put in check. He taught us and gave us all so much. It’s just unreal, to know he’s gone, and now we have to deal with it the best we can. .”

Friends and family remembered Ryan as a talented painter and tattoo artist, and as a consummate athlete who, while years older than some of his friends, crushed skateboarding and snowboarding harder than many.

“Ryan was an alfa, a pack leader,” said Nicolas Cress. “Someone who I looked up to and made me feel safe. He always kept me motivated, whether it was going fishing, snowboarding, or anything outside. He just loved being outside, no matter what activity it was.”

But above all, those who loved him remembered Ryan as a loving and devoted father to his two daughters, Caelan, 13, and Presley, 10.

“He taught them to be fearless, and instilled in them a love of fishing, hiking, skating, shooting, snowboarding, painting, and a love of art,” said Ryan’s sister-in-law Chelsea Nash, speaking on behalf of the Nash family. “He taught them to believe they can do anything.”

Ryan’s ex-wife Jamie Nash called him a “great daddy … he never once told Caelan and Presley they couldn’t do something because they were girls. He inspired them to be the amazing people they are today. The little artists he instilled in them will live on in his memory forever, and every time they draw or paint something, I know it will be for him … He will be missed more than he will ever know.”

“Everything stopped for his kids,” said friend Kevin Racheck. “That was his world, his daughters. If I’m a dad, that’s what I’ll want to be.”

Ryan, who is survived by his mother, BJ, (his father Jim passed away in 2011), was also a big brother to Jonathan Nash and Kelly Nash Montone. Chelsea said Ryan inspired all of his siblings, and was an idol to them as they grew up together.

Ryan was also an inspiration to many friends in Mammoth. These friends remembered him for his boldness, his kindness, and his loyalty.

“Ryan was an incredible person, one of the most loyal friends anyone could every have,” said Justin Ryan. “He lived his life to the absolute fullest, never an ounce of hesitation. He was always willing to join in on any adventure. He was the proudest father and always loved to give me updates on his two beautiful girls. Ryan never backed down from any challenges life put in front of him.”

“If I needed help, he would be the first person I would call and always count on,” said Nicolas. “Ryan was more than a friend, he was my brother. I love him so much and miss him more than anything.”

“He was a legend, a hellion, a fighter, a lover,” Chelsea said. “He was genuine and true to himself.”

Many commented on how Ryan had recently turned his life around, becoming sober in the last year.

“His positive choices, growth, and future goals were all coming along over the past year, and we were all so proud of him,” said Chelsea.

“Four days ago, Ryan told me that stopping drinking was the best decision he ever made in his life,” said Kevin. “He told me he’d found his soul mate, and it seemed like she felt the same.”

That soul mate was Dana Culbertson, whom Ryan had been dating for about a year. Dana was with Ryan when he fell.

Family and friends both described Dana as the love of Ryan’s life: “with her he found contentment, connection, and happiness,” Chelsea said. With Dana in his life, “He was the happiest and most at peace I had ever known him to be. In years past, I would have never thought he would ever get to where he was.”

While those that love Ryan are reeling from his loss, the tremendous outpouring of love in Mammoth, Ryan’s hometown of Ventura, and even as far away as Hawaii and Norway, has been a reminder of Ryan’s positive impact on many.

“One thing I can say, if you had Ryan Nash in your life, remember those memories and hold onto them,” said Pellegrini. “Remember the personality that came with that great human. Mammoth’s Thor is gone, but will never be forgotten. The legend of Ryan Nash will live on forever. R.I.P., brother.”

“He made an impression on everyone he met, and everyone who knows him has amazing memories which will live on forever,” Chelsea said. “He loved, he lived and he didn’t hold back. He lived more in 37 years than most people live in a lifetime. He was larger than life in every way. He will be missed and the world has a little less light without him.”

The Nash family welcomes friends to a celebration of Ryan’s life on Saturday, July 25 starting at 12 p.m. at the Volcom Brothers Skatepark in Mammoth.

Several fundraisers have also been established to support Nash’s family. Hair and Now Salon will be hosting a Cut-a-thon on Sunday, August 2 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., with all proceeds going to the Nash family. Contact Angie at 775.622.5060 with donations or questions.

Nash’s cousin Todd Harple has established a gofundme campaign at www.gofundme.com/zz6eepk to create a nest-egg fund on behalf of Caelan and Presley.

And Kevin Racheck has established a gofundme campaign at www.gofundme.com/zw6wdk to help with family expenses during this time.