RYLEN YAGER, Fruitport Community Schools has identified the 14-year-old as the teen found dead in Fruitport Township on Saturday, marking the second student in the district to die in the past three months.
“Losing a loved one is difficult. Losing a loved one whose time has been cut short is even more difficult,” Superintendent Jason Kennedy said.
Kennedy described Rylen as having a heart of gold, adding that he was a light to many and will be deeply missed.
“Rylen is known for his infectious smile, his positive energy, his kind and compassionate, caring attitude towards others,” Kennedy said.
Officers found Rylen deceased when they responded to Romedius Street around 7:20 p.m. Saturday following reports of a gunshot wound to the chest.
According to Michigan State Police, investigators determined that minors gained access to a firearm and that one of them was holding the gun when Rylen was shot.
“It’s a tough thing to deal with the loss of a student, and we, here in Fruitport, certainly have dealt with our fair share of student losses over the years,” Kennedy said.
The district’s previous loss involved 11-year-old Mialah Leak, who died on her birthday in November. Her adoptive mother has since been criminally charged with manslaughter.
“It’s a heavy burden that I feel on my shoulders to ensure that our school and our community is able to honor and celebrate the life of Rylen and those who have passed before him,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said the district’s top priority in the coming days is supporting the mental health and well-being of students and staff.
“We will have members of our emotional support team and district crisis team available throughout the week and the upcoming days, weeks, and months ahead,” he said.
Fruitport Community Schools has worked with the Muskegon Area ISD, which Kennedy said has an established critical incident stress management system.
“With a simple text message to leaders at the ISD, we had staff from the ISD in addition to our own staff here ready to support students and our own staff,” Kennedy said.
Hackley Community Care has also provided additional resources to assist students, staff, and families.
“I am so proud of our team, who has worked hard to put processes and protocols in place to support students, staff, and families within our community in tough times like this,” Kennedy said.
With approximately 2,600 students in the district, Kennedy said he remains committed to leading the schools while honoring those who have died.
“They all have a special place in the back of my mind, in every decision I make to ensure that kids are always put first in all that I do,” he said.
Police said there are affiliations between the Yager family and Fruitport Township, prompting the investigation to be transferred to Michigan State Police. The case remains ongoing.
The report was originally delivered on air by a journalist and later adapted for digital publication, with editorial review conducted to ensure accuracy and fairness.
