The Canton community is rallying together in a heartfelt effort to find Ryan Godbey, who has been missing since June 19. A recent drag show and vigil at Darlin’s CREW bar drew dozens of supporters, all united in the hope of Ryan’s safe return. This event highlights the community’s unwavering support for Ryan and his family during this difficult time. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the love and concern felt by many, with attendees chanting, “Bring Ryan home!” and sharing stories of hope and resilience.
This article delves into the details of the drag show and vigil, exploring the contributions of local performers, the emotional atmosphere of the event, and the ongoing efforts to locate Ryan. It also examines the impact of Ryan’s disappearance on the community and the various ways people are stepping up to offer support. By focusing on the key events and sentiments expressed, we aim to keep Ryan’s story alive and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Drag Show Benefit at Darlin’s CREW
On July 2, Darlin’s CREW bar transformed into a beacon of hope, hosting a drag show benefit to raise awareness and funds for the search efforts. Lady Inferno Diamond, a drag queen from Kent, spearheaded the event, offering all tips collected to Ryan’s family. The performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” served as a poignant reminder of the love and support surrounding Ryan.
“I’m, like, God forbid for something like this to happen to me, I would hope the community would show up like that in full force,” said Lady Inferno Diamond. Her words underscore the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis. The drag show was not only a fundraiser but also a platform to amplify Ryan’s story and encourage more people to join the search.
Dave Hite, the owner of Darlin’s CREW, further demonstrated his commitment by donating 10% of the evening’s sales to Ryan’s family. This gesture of goodwill reflects the broader community’s dedication to supporting those in need. The event brought together a diverse group of people, united by a shared desire to bring Ryan home safely.
Vigil and Community Support
Following the drag show, a vigil was held, with dozens of supporters holding candles and chanting, “Bring Ryan home!” The atmosphere was filled with emotion as people shared their memories of Ryan and expressed their unwavering hope for his return. The vigil served as a communal space for grieving and healing, reinforcing the message that Ryan is not alone in this struggle.
Samantha Richardson of Hartville, founder of The Silent Mother Project, played a crucial role in organizing the event. “Tonight, we honor not just the fact Ryan’s missing, but the incredible person that they are,” said Richardson. Her words highlight the importance of remembering and celebrating Ryan’s life, even as the search continues.
Ryan’s aunt, Nancy Regula, emphasized the family’s determination to keep searching. “Ryan is my heart. He was raised with my kids. … We’re not stopping. We’re going to hunt until the end of the world, if that’s what it takes,” Regula stated. Her powerful words underscore the family’s unwavering commitment to finding Ryan and bringing him home.
Police Investigation and Search Efforts
Ryan Godbey was last seen at Darlin’s CREW bar on June 19. Witnesses told police that they saw him around 11 p.m. Police have been actively investigating the disappearance, and family members and volunteers have launched their own search efforts.
Police reported finding signs of a struggle in Ryan’s Canton apartment, which has heightened concerns about his safety. His seizure medication and cats were left behind, suggesting that his departure was unplanned. Additionally, his driver’s license and credit card were later found by Interstate 77 near the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On June 24, police arrested a 33-year-old man and 38-year-old woman on charges of criminal trespass and aggravated possession of drugs after investigators sought to question them about Godbey’s disappearance. However, no one has been charged directly in connection with Ryan’s disappearance. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
Community Manifestation and Hope
Local activist Sierra Mason addressed the crowd, expressing her belief that Ryan will come home. “We are going to continue to manifest that into existence. We are going to speak that into good prayer,” Mason said. Her words reflect the community’s collective hope and determination to bring Ryan back safely.
Mason led the crowd in chants of “Say his name!” to which the crowd responded, “Ryan J.J. Godbey!” This act of communal affirmation served as a powerful reminder of Ryan’s presence in the community and the unwavering support for his return.
Patty McFarland distributed yellow stars with the hashtag “#bringRyanhome,” symbolizing Ryan’s favorite emoji. This small gesture of solidarity highlights the community’s creative efforts to keep Ryan’s story alive and encourage continued search efforts.
Conclusion
The drag show and vigil for Ryan Godbey underscore the power of community solidarity in times of crisis. Dozens of people came together to support Ryan’s family and raise awareness about his disappearance. The event highlighted the importance of remembering and celebrating Ryan’s life, even as the search continues.
The ongoing investigation and search efforts demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement and volunteers to bring Ryan home safely. The community’s unwavering hope and determination serve as a beacon of light during this challenging time.
As the search for Ryan continues, it is essential to keep his story alive and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The collective efforts of the community, combined with the dedication of law enforcement, offer the best chance of bringing Ryan home and providing closure to his family and friends.
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