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Community deals with death of student
- By Bill Vander Weele Sidney Herald
Sidney High School is in a state of mourning after the sudden death of student Ryan Chatterton. Funeral services for the 18-year-old were held Monday afternoon in the school’s gym.
Chatterton was found dead at his home on Nov. 25.
Shortly after his body was found, students gathered in the high school’s multi-purpose room. The wrestling team, which Chatteron was a member of, was scheduled to practice at that time. Sidney wrestling coach Guy Melby and about 100 students, males and females, were there grieving.
“We were just trying to figure it out,” Melby said. “Everybody had a story to tell about him. It was just mostly memories about Ryan.”
The teacher said parents, guidance counselors and a pastor were also in attendance. Melby said the wrestlers’ practice room was a fitting place for such a time of remembrance to take place.
“It was his home away from home if you will,” Melby said. “It was his comfort zone.”
As part of the school district’s campus safety procedure, Sidney High School Principal Sue Andersen met with staff prior to the school day Monday morning. Part of the reason for the meeting was so staff had all the accurate information about the incident.
Sidney Superintendent of Schools Daniel Farr said counselors will be available throughout the week and for however long as needed at the high school.
“We will just be there to work with students and staff as the need arises,” Farr said.
He added the counselors will be from the district, but additional counselors may be brought in if officials see the need.
“It’s a really sad, sad situation,” Farr said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.”
Melby said on Friday afternoon that he had received more than 400 text messages from wrestlers, coaches and others since the death.
“There were a lot of things that Ryan wasn’t particularly good at, but he was great at wrestling,” Melby said of the state champion. “Ryan did wrestling very well. He was well respected in that community.”
Since eighth year, Chatterton attended a national wrestling meet held in Florida each summer. “I bet every one of those guys have texted me,” Melby noted. The coach describes Chatterton as one of the most talented wrestlers he has coached during his 30-year career.
Melby doesn’t know how the school or his team will move on after the tragedy.
“We’re going to do what we can,” he added.
This weekend, Sidney opens its season by hosting the 26-team Eagle Invitational.
“I’m not sure where our minds and hearts will be,” Melby said. “We will fight back. I’m sure that’s what he would want us to do.”
Obituary
1997-2015
Funeral services for Ryan Chatterton, 18, Sidney, were at 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, at the Sidney High School gymnasium with Pastor Richard Evans officiating.
Cremation followed services under the direction of the Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney.
Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.
Ryan James Chatterton was born on April 7, 1997, in Sidney to Robert and Teresa (Asbeck) Chatterton. Ryan was a senior at Sidney High School and was a Sidney Eagle through and through.
One of the proudest days of his parents’ lives was the day Ryan was born. Ryan was all blues eyes, smiles and dimples. He was so mischievous, especially after his little brother Riley was born. As much as he tormented and picked on Riley, Ryan loved him so much and was proud to be his big brother.
Growing up, Ryan and Riley were inseparable. They went on many adventures with their Dad including fishing, four-wheeling and playing cards. Ryan was amazed with his Dad’s job at the sugar factory and loved it when his Dad took him through the factory for a tour. Ryan carried a heavy heart after losing his Dad at such a young age. Bob meant the world to Ryan.
His Mom fulfilled the void in Ryan’s life. Their adventures consisted of trips to Yellowstone, Glacier and even taking in a Steelers vs. Broncos game in Denver where Ryan was decked out proudly in his Bengals’ gear. Ryan also enjoyed hunting with his Mom and Riley.
There are many fond memories of Ryan being out on the family farm with his uncles and cousins. Whether hiding mayonnaise sandwiches in the couch with his cousin Jalyssa and then running out to play before Grandma Elaine found them; to learning farm and ranch life. He adored his uncles; they not only taught him about farming but also shared their advice and corny pick-up lines. He especially loved branding in the spring as he cherished the time with his cousins pushing calves through the chute, skipping rocks on the pond and riding four-wheelers. There were many hot summer days spent moving tubes, irrigating and roaming in the rust bucket with Riley and Skyler. Ryan’s Uncle John gave him his love of the Bengals while Riley favored his Uncle Pat’s Steelers creating the friendly family rivalry between the two brothers and uncles.
Sports became a big part of Ryan’s life at a young age. Ryan played many sports such as baseball and football, but his true passion was wrestling in which he had many accomplishments. Ryan’s Mom was his biggest fan; she watched each match with great pride. Ryan is known for his signature move the “Chattystack”. He was able to fulfill his dream of winning the wrestling state title in 2015 with that signature move.
Ryan lived life to the fullest and was loved by and touched so many lives. He had many friends near and far that were a big influence on his life. Ryan was the life of the party and cherished the many memories made with some of his closest friends. God only knows why you left the mat before the match was over.
Ryan passed away on Nov, 25, 2015. when he was reunited with his dad. Sweet memories remain of him, ones that will never end!
Ryan is survived by: his mom, Teresa Chatterton (Clint Swiger); his brother, Riley; great-grandma, Nelda Asbeck; grandparents, Hugo and Elaine Asbeck; uncles, Harvey (Julie) Asbeck, John Asbeck, James Asbeck, Pat (Donetta) Asbeck; aunts, Lynn Asbeck and Barb (Rod) Huff; cousins, Jalyssa Johnson, Cody Asbeck, Megan Asbeck, Skyler Tibbits, Kaitlyn Tibbits, Wyatt Asbeck and his cousin “niece” Harper Johnson; as well as his wrestling family and many friends.
Ryan was preceded in death by his Dad Robert Chatterton and his grandparents Herbert and Beverly Chatterton.
