Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 1, 2015 - 9:41am

FINAL UPDATE: It is with deep regret that I must announce Ryan has passed on. Please think of the family in this difficult time. LR will not be the same without R. Moon.

Hey everybody. My friend and fellow LR and workshop member, Ryan (aka R. Moon), has gone missing. If you live in Pennsylvania or surrounding areas, please spread the word.

Thank you in advance to anyone who is able to share this information.

ADDITION: Thank you on behalf of the community for your overwhelming response to this thread. No matter where you come from, please feel free to add some words about how Ryan may have touched your life. His family knows about this discussion and I'm sure all the beautiful things that are being said are appreciated!

 

sean of the dead's picture
sean of the dead from Madisonville, KY is reading Peckerwood, by Jed Ayres June 1, 2015 - 9:43am

Maybe the site owners could post something on the main page? That dude has been a regular member of this site for a loooooong time, given lots of people lots of writing help. I hope everything is okay.

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 1, 2015 - 10:14am

Thanks for the suggestion, @Sean! The staffers have posted an alert at the top of the Workshop so that everyone can visit this thread.

For those reading this, please check back at the above link for updates on the missing persons case. The original poster, Jessie, will be adding any new information to the post as the investigation progresses.

Jack Campbell Jr.'s picture
Jack Campbell Jr. from Lawrence, KS is reading American Rust by Phillipp Meyer June 1, 2015 - 10:21am

I hope he shows up soon. I'm all the way in Kansas, but I've shared it on everything I have, just in case.

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 1, 2015 - 10:25am

Thank you so much, @Jack. Even the smallest gesture could help; you never know!

LittleBounce's picture
LittleBounce from Blighty is reading Blandings, by PG Wodehouse June 1, 2015 - 10:26am

Christ, I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm in the UK so of minimal practical use but what kind of stuff did he write? Maybe I might know groups, friends of friends, etc....

 

I'm sorry - you must be so stressed out right now.

 

Tig xxx

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics June 1, 2015 - 10:28am

Damn, this is really shitty. I hope he's okay. I've talked with the family before when he's had struggles, but lately when he and I have chatted, he seemed really upbeat. PLEASE keep us informed here, and I'll keep an eye on the FB page too.

Ryan, if you're reading any of this and want to reach out on the DL, I will respect that. I encourage you to contact your family if you can, but if you don't want to, you know that's not my place to make you.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 1, 2015 - 10:31am

@Strange Photon: I have texted Ryan's mom, and in the event she responds, I will post here. 

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics June 1, 2015 - 10:41am

Okay, thanks. I used to have all his contact info, but it all got lost in my old phone. My number is still the same, so if he or any of his family need anything, I'm gonna keep my phone with me.

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 1, 2015 - 10:52am

Thank you, @StrangePhoton! I feel like Ryan has a plethora of fans on this site, and I'm hoping everyone's help and sharing  will get us somewhere.

@LittleBounce, he writes mostly literary, character driven fiction. He is EXTREMELY talented! I don't know if he has any friends in the UK but it could always help to share the Facebook post about his disappearance. We have no idea how far he's travelled so even the smallest gesture may be worth it!

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics June 1, 2015 - 10:55am

Okay, just found his mom's number and talked with her. Him being spotted in his area yesterday is a good sign, but Anna's right, travel is never out of the question, so spreading the info as much as possible is never a bad thing.

Sound's picture
Sound from Azusa, CA is reading Greener Pastures by Michael Wehunt June 1, 2015 - 11:28am

Oh, no. I really hope Ryan is ok. Please keep us posted.

Dan J. Fiore's picture
Dan J. Fiore from Pittsburgh is reading too many things at once June 1, 2015 - 11:36am

I'm from Pittsburgh as well. I actually think I live pretty close to where Ryan's from. I'll post some stuff on Facebook. Let me know if I can help out in any other way.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 1, 2015 - 11:43am

@Dan: That's great, thank you.  The FB post in the link above has the relevant information, and was updated about an hour ago.  I believe Ryan's in Imperial (North Fayette Police Dept. is leading the search.)  Every share helps. 

Chacron's picture
Chacron from England, South Coast is reading Fool's Assassin by Robin Hobb June 1, 2015 - 12:23pm

I live in England but I guess the best support I can give is to add my name to this thread and the list of people thinking of him, just in case he's out there and checks in here for some reason. I remember doing some workshopping with him a while ago. Hope you're okay man, if you're reading this.

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 1, 2015 - 12:28pm

@sound: will do! You can also find updates on the provided link, but if anything big happens in the investigation I will make a post.

@Dan: thanks for sharing!

@Chacron - thank you for your support. Every positive vibe out there has to help in some way!

NeilRo1's picture
NeilRo1 from Wales is reading The First Fifty Pages Jeff Gerke June 1, 2015 - 12:41pm

Hope he's okay

fingers crossed here

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 1, 2015 - 12:44pm

Thanks, @Neil.  It's wonderful to read all of the support from LR'ers given the nature of the situation.  Good juju and thoughts are NEVER a bad thing.

Jonathan Riley's picture
Jonathan Riley from Memphis, Tennessee is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland June 1, 2015 - 12:48pm

Dang. I really hope he's okay. I shared it on my Facebook page. I have family in Philadelphia. Not sure if it will help but they'll see the post. Ryan's been a good friend to me over the years and instrumental in the help of developing my craft. Wishing him all the best and a safe and healthy return home and to our writing community.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 1, 2015 - 12:51pm

@Jonathan: Awesome, thank you.  Ryan's such a treasure on this site.  At the end of the day, LR is a family, and he has contributed greatly to many of us over the years, and will continue to do so.

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 1, 2015 - 12:56pm

@Jonathon thank you for sharing!

@Holly you are so right ... LR definitely becomes a family and Ryan is a big part of that!

ReneeAPickup's picture
Class Facilitator
ReneeAPickup from Southern California is reading Wanderers by Chuck Wendig June 1, 2015 - 3:04pm

So great to see the community responding. I didn't know he'd been spotted. I'll hold that as a hopeful sign. This is terrible.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 1, 2015 - 3:13pm

@Renee: Yes, according to the Police, Ryan was spotted yesterday afternoon on foot.  And yes, reading the comments and concern from LR members is a wonderful thing.  Despite the anonymity of LR being an online community, it's important to remember that we're all humans behind our screens and stories, and when times get tough, we need to try to help each other in whatever way we can.

Nicholaus Patnaude's picture
Nicholaus Patnaude is reading Skullcrack City by Jeremy Robert Johnson June 1, 2015 - 8:34pm

I just shared the link on facebook. I hope Ryan is okay. Thinking positive thoughts. 

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 1, 2015 - 10:08pm

@Nick-Thank you for sharing on FB and for your thoughts.

mattmyth's picture
mattmyth from Rotorua, New Zealand is reading Cousins by Patricia grace June 1, 2015 - 10:30pm

Shared on facebook in the long shot that my friends in the US may know someone from the area and further the word.  My love to friends and family.

voodoo_em's picture
voodoo_em from England is reading All the books by Ira Levin June 2, 2015 - 1:04am

This is awful. Ryan was my first friend on LR way back when and he's been such a big part of this community. Hope he is okay. I'm not on any social media to share this but my thoughts are with his family and friends.

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 2, 2015 - 3:38am

Thanks @mattmyth for sharing!

@voodoo_em he was my first friend too! So many people came onto LitReactor and got a warm welcome from him ... LR wouldn't be the same without him!

big_old_dave's picture
big_old_dave from Watford, about 20 miles outside London, Uk June 2, 2015 - 3:51am

Also calling in from in UK, feeling at a bit of a loose end not being able to help in anyway. Got some really good feedback from Moon when I was starting out here and hope he turns up safe and well. 

leah_beth's picture
leah_beth from New Jersey - now in Charleston, SC is reading five different books at once. June 2, 2015 - 4:18am

Adding my prayers and good wishes here - come on, Moon. Come back! 

Shared on Facebook - I have friends and family up north. Maybe it'll help. He's so talented and kind - I really hope he makes his way home soon!

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics June 2, 2015 - 5:30am

Just woke up, please tell me there's some good news...

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 2, 2015 - 5:47am

@big_old_dave & @leah_beth - thanks for your support, you guys! Hopefully all this positive energy will help in some way ... from all the responses it seems like R. Moon helped just about everyone on LR at some point or another.

@Strange Photon - Unfortunately I haven't heard anything new yet. If there were any updates, they'd be on the Facebook post link above. The last update listed is that he was spotted walking on the side of a road. I'm hoping the original FB poster will provide another update soon!

SammyB's picture
SammyB from Las Vegas is reading currently too many to list June 2, 2015 - 7:33am

This is sad news. Hope he is found safe and soon. I live in Las Vegas, but I shared this with some of my family near PA and retweeted information about it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 2, 2015 - 7:55am

@SammyB: Thank you for sharing and your thoughts.  Let's hope Ryan returns home safe and soon. 

Strange Photon's picture
Strange Photon from Fort Wayne, IN is reading Laurie Anderson lyrics June 2, 2015 - 8:47am

Just talked his mom some more, and she said there's still no word/news. She's losing hope, but I told her that at this point, no news is good news (or at least not bad news).

As someone who has had similar struggles in my dark years, and has run away from life on more than one occasion, I can say that as long as the worst isn't found, there is every reason to believe he's out there and just doesn't want to be found currently for whatever reason. It's WAY easier to stay hidden than most people realize, and way harder to keep from being found if the worst has happened. So, to me, we can only keep sharing his photo and info, and those in the area have to keep plugging away at the search. When he's found safe, it will help encourage him never to do this again if he can know that we all care a great deal and that we didn't give up on him.

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 2, 2015 - 9:34am

@strangephoton ... Truer words have never been spoken. I'm glad Ryan has a friend like you to relate to.

I know it's hard for us to sit around and do nothing, but there obviously isn't much we can do other than share the info and help circulate the word. If anyone has any kind words about R. Moon, please don't hesitate to share on this thread. You never know--he could be reading them and it might help him in some way!

Ryan has been an amazing friend to me. There were times that I was discouraged and wanted to give up on my writing, but he always replied to me by motivating me. I was incredibly impressed that even though we lived in separate states and barely knew one another, he had a kind enough heart to help me out. Honestly, I don't think I would still be plugging away at my writing if it weren't for him.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 2, 2015 - 1:17pm

WPXI of Pittsburg has featured Ryan's story on its web page.   I've emailed a number of other Pittsburg-based news stations as well, and will continue to do so in hopes that they will follow suit. 

While I agree with @StrangePhoton that perhaps Ryan doesn't "want" to be found right now, I know that so many of us care a great deal about his welfare, and I'm hopeful that all of the efforts made to circulate his information will aide in Ryan's safe return.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 2, 2015 - 5:58pm

As of 5:55pm Pacific Daylight Time, there is no news about Ryan.  I message'd with his mom a bit, and she is losing hope (as Strange Photon mentioned earlier.)  Let's all focus our juju, prayers, love, whatever it is you practice, towards Ryan and his loved ones...

Robert Yalden's picture
Robert Yalden from Long Island June 2, 2015 - 10:27pm

My thoughts and prayers to Ryan and his family. I always enjoy reading his posts. 

Tucson's picture
Tucson from Belgium is reading Late Essays - J.M. Coetzee June 3, 2015 - 1:32am

I hope he's fine, wherever he is.

Dwayne's picture
Dwayne from Cincinnati, Ohio (suburbs) is reading books that rotate to often to keep this updated June 3, 2015 - 4:34am

Dang.

Deets999's picture
Deets999 from Connecticut is reading Adjustment Day June 3, 2015 - 6:40am

Thoughts are definitely with him and his family!!

Anna Gutmann's picture
Anna Gutmann from Ohio is reading American Gods June 3, 2015 - 6:43am

Thanks everyone for your continued well wishes ... I'm sure Ryan's family appreciates it. I haven't heard of any further updates yet but if I hear anything today, either Holly or I will provide the info on this thread ASAP!

Repo Kempt's picture
Repo Kempt from Newfoundland June 3, 2015 - 10:03am

I've been off the site for a while for personal reasons. This is terrible news. I feel a bit helpless like everyone else. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 3, 2015 - 10:16am

@Repo:  I've missed you, and I hope you're doing well.  Thanks for posting here.  Your good juju and thoughts are always appreciated.

Melissa Firman's picture
Melissa Firman from Pittsburgh, PA is reading Dear Thief, by Samantha Harvey June 3, 2015 - 7:13pm

Hi everyone - I'm new here on LitReactor after seeing the messages regarding Ryan. I know him from an "in-person" writing group he and I belong to here in Pittsburgh. As many of you have said, he's been tremendously helpful with my own writing. Extremely talented guy. Hopefully he sees the messages we're all posting. Thanks to all who have shared the information. 

Seeing your messages reminded me that I've been meaning to join for quite some time ... ironically, as per Ryan's suggestion. So, here we are. 

Looking forward to getting to know all of you. 

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 3, 2015 - 7:15pm

@Melissa: Welcome to LitReactor!  I'm sorry this is such a somber time, but it's also a perfect example of the kind of community we are.  If you have any questions, feel free to PM me, and I'll be happy to help if I can.

While there are no updates to offer regarding Ryan, I did forward this link to his mom via Facebook this afternoon.  I wanted her to read first-hand all of the efforts LR's members have made to circulate this information, as well as the kind words of so many who hold Ryan in such high regard. 

Keep the good thoughts and juju and wishes going...and I hope he reads this link soon.

H.R. James's picture
H.R. James from Houston, Texas is reading Werner Herzog's A Guide for the Perplexed June 3, 2015 - 7:29pm

Ive never worked with Ryan, but my prayers to him and his family and I hope he is okay.

Holly Bella Toschi's picture
Holly Bella Toschi from San Francisco is reading "Dance Dance Dance" June 3, 2015 - 8:21pm

@HRJames: Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I know Ryan & his family greatly appreciate it.

Melissa Firman's picture
Melissa Firman from Pittsburgh, PA is reading Dear Thief, by Samantha Harvey June 3, 2015 - 8:25pm

@Holly, thanks.  It was your post on Ryan's mom's FB page (I was checking to see if there had been any updates posted) that made me remember he suggested I check out LitReactor. I mean, that was a conversation we'd had months ago. Maybe a year. Anyway, I'm very glad to be here, despite the circumstances. Writers stick together. Ryan's a valued member of our Pittsburgh South Writers Group and I, too, hope he sees how many people care about him.  

Joe P's picture
Joe P from Brainerd, MN is reading Wheel of Time June 4, 2015 - 4:45am

Hoping for the best for Ryan. He's quite the contributor around here. I shared the Facebook post but wish there was more I could do. Come home bud!