Posted by toyrunner on August 27, 2007 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tragic accident that could have been prevented.
When will kids learn?

Posted by FedUp on August 27, 2007 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

why is it never the drunk driver who dies?
I have no issues with 18 year old kids going down to TJ, to get drunk. I do have a problem with them driving 5 hours to get home right afterwards. such a sad, tragic, albeit normal story to read. how many lives are destroyed over this one bad decision???

Posted by surfmedic91 on August 27, 2007 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you're old enough to drink in TJ, you're old enough to make mistakes under your own responsiblity. You can kill the enemy at 18 in the military but you can't drink. Explain that tnie1809.

Posted by BeaHappi on August 27, 2007 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh my gosh, so incredibly sad. I can't even imagine getting this news about my child.

toyrunner - unfortunately, there will always be accidents like this. At their age, I'm sure that death was the furthest thing from their minds. The feeling of invincibility.

Wow. And now the driver has to live with this forever. One life lost and so many forever changed in just one moment.

My sincerest condolences to all involved.

Posted by aGracefulHeart on August 27, 2007 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My heart goes out to the family as they must be given the respect and space to grieve for their son; who's life was taken far too soon. I pray for the love and support that they need right now, as their lives have been shattered. I will be praying for you every day.

Posted by SpiderWoman on August 27, 2007 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

17 and allowed to travel to drive to TJ!?!?!?!

Posted by luckyone on August 27, 2007 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Before anyone makes any judgement (which it is a little late for that) please fully think about the tragedy in front of us. Many of you are criticizing the teens, the parents, or whomever you wish to blame but the fact of the matter is do not pass judgement upon someone that you do not know. You read an article and that is all. You do not know all the facts and you do not know the family involved. You may criticize the actions of the people involved but reflect to when you were a teen and think of the rebellion that was set in your mind. Many of you made the same mistake that these young people did but you obviously did not have to face the same consequences. I went to school with the teen who was killed and know his family, and all that I ask is that you please show respect and think before you judge. And please keep the family and the teens involved in your hearts and prayers.

Posted by ca4ever on August 27, 2007 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on people, they were 17 and 18 and already graduated from High School, probably. At that age, they might not have even mentioned to their parents that they were going to TJ. They might have just said they were going out. I did the same thing when I was that age without my parents consent. Looking back now I realize how stupid that was, but as a teenager, you think you knew everything. Let's just all try to remember not to blame soemone here, except the teenager who got behind that wheel after drinking. I could not imagine being the parents and receiving that call. My heart goes out to his family and friends as well as the teenage who killed him.

Posted by JDlovesNP on August 27, 2007 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These are my friends. We all just graduated from NP and this is a tragedy that none of us would have thought could happen. These guys are not drug addicts, or drunks. They made a horrible choice to drive home, and with that stupid decision changed the lives of many. I hope that some of us learn something from this.

Ryan, rest in peace. I will never forget you, and you will always be in my heart.

Posted by ca4ever on August 27, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JDlovesNP - thanks for your post and I am sorry that you had to lose a friend this way. You are absolutely correct in the fact that a horrible mistake was made and he will have to live with that the rest of his life, as will all the other families involved. Some people are just to quick to judge without knowing the facts. Our thoughts are with you and his family. Hopefully other tennagers will learn from this horrible accident.

Posted by scottberens on August 27, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We love you and will miss you forever Ryan. Rest in Peace my friend.

Posted by anb17 on August 27, 2007 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

toyrunner- Ryan was an adult. It was his decision. It really angers me that you used the word "kids". You are stereo typing everyone under the age of 18 when you say that. Not all of us make bad decisions and I'm sure you weren't so innocent when you were that age either. Everyone has their moment when they feel invincible as Beahappi said. Maybe, Ryan felt invincible in the moments before he slipped away. You & I will never know.

I hope he lived a wonderful life & I hope the parents will be able to recover easily from his death. My grandpa just passed away so I know what it feels like to be grieving. Times are hard but they will get easier. Ryan will be missed. There is no doubt that he was a great guy.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on August 27, 2007 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pconvery99 ,uh.Maybe they were too sleepy to drive by then?
All's I can say is my prayers go out to all the families involved.
My Son did the same darn thing when he was around that age, only difference was that two of the guys got arrested from some stupid cop over there and he had to end up getting across the border himself then calling for a ride. When I asked where he was, he said well your not gonna be happy......and I wasn't but I dealt with it.

Posted by BTeets55 on August 27, 2007 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i miss you ryan.

Posted by worldsbestmom54 on August 27, 2007 at 3:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is my cousin's son. I am asking you all who will be posting to be respectful, and instead of questioning the situation, share what a tragedy this is with any young adults in your life. There is nothing but heartache and heartbreak. Please, please, take a moment and say a prayer or send your heartfelt condolences for this family.

Posted by scony1025 on August 27, 2007 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Look these kids are my friends. They aren't stupid or irresponsible. For anyone to pass judgement on them is wrong. You don't know them. They are young. They were having fun, just like many other kids out there. They just happened to get in a tragic car accident. That's what it was... an accident. My heart goes out to Ryan's family. He was a person so full of life and happiness.

For those who say it's just another teen driving accident, shut up. Do you know them? No.

Posted by SpiderWoman on August 27, 2007 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regardless of who is at fault - my condolences to the families involved.

Posted by lthomas on August 27, 2007 at 4:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

worldsbestmom54 - ditto to your message.

Posted by TotaTua on August 27, 2007 at 5:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eternal rest grant unto Ryan and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the spirit of consolation be visited upon the Edwards Family.

May Brandon Kessler be healed swiftly and completely.

May the driver of the vehicle recover from his physical injuries. May he have the strength to bear the consequences of the groups collective actions and choices.

And may all friends and families survive this ordeal.

Posted by aGracefulHeart on August 27, 2007 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For those of you who have chosen to pass judgement, just remember...

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

Please be thoughtful toward the parents and families, as they are the ones left to suffer this tremendous pain and loss. Open your hearts to consider that words are often mighter than the sword. Show some compassion and send out your prayers.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His loving care, Ryan.

Posted by annettekessler on August 27, 2007 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This article is not correct and I have notified it's author. They did not drive home just after visiting TJ. You can read it in the paper tomorrow.
Ryan was a WONDERFUL young man and will be greatly missed.

Posted by nickyp89 on August 27, 2007 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

these werent kids. they were young adults. i knew them all very well. ryan was an amazing individual,that bring a smile to anyones face.dont judge people unless you know the situation completely. ryan will be in our hearts forever.

Posted by ilmryanedwards on August 27, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ryan Edwards, a brother, a cousin, a friend, and a son. He was the life of the party in this family, if he was there... you were laughing!!! he brought so much joy and happiness to everything he did. He brightened all of our lives and without him it will forever be dimmed. Ryan, you will live on in our hearts forever. Rest In Peace cousin!!

Posted by potatoebay on August 27, 2007 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pconvery99, Wow, for not being there, you really have it all figured out. I think your message is mismanaged

Posted by annettekessler on August 27, 2007 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Brandon was asleep in the back seat, not getting high. Ryan was also asleep. I had a hard time reaching Brandon because of it. And the other young man was doing his best to get them home. There is way too much guessing going on here. They made the very poor judgment of trying to drive home so late at night and many are greatly paying for it.

Posted by scony1025 on August 27, 2007 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My thoughts are also with Brandon Kessler and the other boys' families. Brandon is a good friend of mine and from my personal experience, getting high and driving is not in his character. He is a responsible friend, who would do anything for the people he cares about.

As for Ryan, we love you. You will be remembered at your best; laughing, having fun, cracking jokes, and being a great friend. Always love.

Posted by BeaHappi on August 27, 2007 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It doesn't matter where they were coming home from. This is just a very sad story. One family lost a son; from the sound of it, many lost a friend.

Prayers and condolences to all of the families involved. May God bless you and keep you.

Posted by oni on August 27, 2007 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

my sympathy goes out to all the families and friends of these young men. They all made bad decisions to drink,get high and drive.At least two of the young men involved are well know drug abusers and drinkers throughout the NP highschool community.The driver had been arrested for possesion only a few months back but was only given a slap on the wrist. Just because Brandon was asleep at the time of the accident doesn't mean he wasn't high or intoxicated.Come on,that is why they to TJ.They did not go there to buy a sombrero.It is ok if they wanted to go there to drink and smoke but don't drive.This was a bad decision that will affect many lives for ever. The driver will have to live with his decision the rest of his life knowing his actions snuffed out the life of a friend.My prayers are with all involved.

Posted by Lost on August 27, 2007 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pconvery99 is a cop. Keep your suspicions where they belong and just say a prayer for those families.

Posted by gnu154 on August 27, 2007 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We all made stupid choices and bad decisions at that age. Most of us got lucky and are still here, others aren't so fortunate. My deepest condolences to the family and friends. At the very least, let's hope there will be lessons learned from this tragic accident.

Posted by ilmryanedwards on August 27, 2007 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not going to say what these young men were or weren't doin because I was not there.As many of you were not.They made a tragic mistake. We ALL make mistakes some of us get to LIVE with our mistakes Others DIE. Ryan was Loving, A Clown,A College student,a self-taught musician, played Drums and Guitar,Surfed,Loved nature, Was not a bad kid never hurt anyone, was a TEENAGER (U remember!)Loved Politics could Debate your Ear-off,Anyone who never ever made a mistake can pass judgement. But all has sinned. He is my nephew and I love Him! I feel for all families involved, these Boys were/are friends. so instead of attacking these boys or the situation... LEARN from it! LOVE-ya RY

Posted by Trish on August 27, 2007 at 9:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We'll miss you & we love you. Rest in eternal peace Ryan. Watch over us all.

We love you!

Posted by Trish on August 27, 2007 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please listen to my aunt. You don't know him, nor do you know the details of the situation. You snub your noses as if they deserved it. How would you feel if this was your family? You have no right to pass judgement. The family is suffering enough without the comments of ignorant people. Please show some respect for the loss of a young life and the permanent scarring of the other boys involved.

If anything, do it for Ryan. He deserves to rest in peace!

Posted by weirddad on August 27, 2007 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This could just as easily have happened to my family or any other family I know and anyone who denies it is not being realistic. It has nothing to do with being responsible parents, or having responsible kids. No 18 year old I know should be classified as an "adult" and there are many medical studies to support that fact; their brains have not finished growing and unfortunately it is the area of the brain that involves self-control and a common sense that is not mature yet. My heart bleeds for all of the families involved. The parents probably were not aware of where their children were; no matter how much we try to be informed of our children's where-abouts, they will find ways around it if they really want to. All of us should take a moment to hug our children and tell them we care about them and love them!!!

Posted by PatC327 on August 28, 2007 at 1:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know these guys from school and graduated with them in June. I've known Brandon since I was probably 4 years old, and he's a good guy with a kind heart. We used to hang out, play airsoft with our friends and all that fun stuff and he has always been a good friend to me. The driver is a nice guy whom I've known since middle school. He is a good person who obviously never had any intention of jeopardizing anyone's safety. A tragic event like this is hard for anyone to bear, and I wish him all the best and hope he and Brandon can overcome the physical and emotional trauma that this has caused. I never got to know Ryan, but from what I can tell, he was a wonderful, caring, funny person and he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of being in his company. I hope we can all take solace in the fact that he is in a better place and at peace. Our best wishes go out to the Edwards, all the families and my classmates. I love you guys. I'll say a prayer for everyone tonight.

Posted by ashlis on August 28, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As a teenager in March of 1988 I lost my best friends in a terrible accident on the 118 frwy. I have never recovered from the guilt of not being there to stop them from driving. It does not matter what happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that knew these boys especially the parents. Everyone makes mistakes but they do not deserve to die for them. Just think of all the stupid things you have done...Could you have been hurt or died? I am just one of the lucky ones that made it.

Posted by famousbabydoll on August 29, 2007 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

People People People, My god what is this a circus, how old are we all? Who cares whos fault this is. Stop pointing fingers and placing the blame on everyone. What happened was a tradgedy. People make mistakes. WE ALL DO. Let the families and friends greive on their own without everyone and their mother pointing fingers at everyone else. This is a devestating time for everyone involved including family and friends.. so please.. stop the hate and show some respect. R.I.P Ryan, You will be forever missed.

Posted by oni on August 29, 2007 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to agree with across4u2.When you choose to get behind the wheel of an automobile and drive having been drinking,smoking pot etc you also have to choose to step up to the plate and be responsible for the consequences.My heart goes out to all involved but like the above person said it should not be glossed over.Especially when the driver has a history of substance abuse and recently 5/07 arrested for possesion and got just a slap on the wrist because he was a minor.OK he is still a minor(soon to be 18 in a few days) but he continues to do illegal things and gets by with it because he's a minor and that is the mind set of alot of teens.They say "o nothing will happen cause I am a minor" so they party on endangering themselves and everyone in our community. The laws are not stiff enough.The driver and his family will go on sharing their holidays and day to day life together but the Edwards family will not be able to share those things with Ryan and they will suffer the loss of him daily. Yes I know all his friends say" it was a mistake,we all make mistakes".Well we all don't make mistakes that kill.Alcohol + drugs+ automobile = DEATH.Wake up people and find other sources of entertainment besides hanging out getting high and drunk.

Posted by oni on August 29, 2007 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

to Annette Kessler...this is what your son posted on someones myspace on aug 24th 07..

B.Kes.

Aug 24 2007 10:37A

im still trying to get work off sat. i got a black macbook. its sick. time to get drunk and show people what being drunk really is haha o god here we go again. we be party animals...or just animals.

p.s. i got a boner L8

this is what causes "mistakes".I know you want to protect your son but the above is in his own words that he posted on someones myspace.this is just one of many.

Posted by oni on August 29, 2007 at 10:40 p.m.

(This thread was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by oni on August 29, 2007 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

more myspace posts..this was posted on Ryans myspace by Core

Jun 11 2007 5:06P

we were on jons street and you just got off of work when you started at working at mc dee's and we were blazing in your car out of that little straight shooter thing and you asked to borrow cause you wanted some of the music so i let you

Posted by oni on August 29, 2007 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

comment posted on "the drivers" myspace

Rainbow Nations Coalition Member #3

May 23 2007 11:06P

so i drove past a car and it reeked of weed. i'm thinking you were in it.

the above are just a few of the many myspace comments found on the three boys myspace page that refer to the drug and alcohol abuse.

these comments were made by teens that think its cool to drink and do drugs

Posted by oni on August 29, 2007 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this is a comment made on myspace by the "driver" when he got his slap on the wrist for being arrested possession of weed.

COREM [RI..
COREM [RIPRJE]

May 9, 2007 8:56 PM
yup... i just gotta finish my community service.

Posted by ca4ever on August 30, 2007 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

so when are they going to tell us who the "DRIVER" is???

Posted by theparkex on August 30, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What I can't understand is that a family member created a MySpace page in Ryan's Memory, yet all the pictures on there are of him high or drunk, with the joints and beer bottles in sight.
My thoughts and prayers definitely go out to those that lost him but is this really the best way to memorialize him given the circumstances surrounding his death?

Posted by IhaveNOsympathy4u on August 30, 2007 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.myspace.com/corem

Posted by Drewl0vescs on September 4, 2007 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My name is Drew Beswick. Personally i remember meeting Brandon for the first time. Considering hes one of the only people around here that makes even me a 6'5 guy look short. we met at a lan party and it was instantaneous friendship. Ide really love to hear the stories of the people raging Brandon, and these kids about bad decisions. Everyone has a gritty past, if your willing to admit it or not.
I'm almost Positive the people pointing the fingers & yelling " stupid kids " are the kind people who can beat there spouse one day, and repent the next.
i don't blame anyone for what happened, thats just stupid. it wont end anywhere, and wont recover anyone from this tragic scene. if you really think your hot stuff and trying to post slanderous garbage about them, step up, and let us know who you really are. or does the confidence of your little hovel and computer satisfy your nefarious intention. Honestly what kind of soulless ass-pirate perpetuates this belligerent rage. Anyways Brandon when i see ya ill give you a big drewbie hug, and i just might do the truffle shuffle :D, Love and regards to all parties
-Drew

Posted by abetel on October 23, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Brandon would never hurt a fly. I have gotten to know the driver and Brandon even more over the past few months and they are both unbelievably amazing people. For any of you to waste your time and go cut and paste quotes from their myspace pages... are you serious? You people are how old? You're acting like children and it's actually disgusting. I wasn't going to waste my time and try and defend my friends from you extremely unintelligent and despicable excuses for human beings, but I couldn't read anymore comments like that. It just sickens me.

If you have something you would like to share about this story... try and keep it positive, yes? That way you're not disrespecting Ryan, Brandon, the driver, and all of Ryan's family and friends. At least have the decencey to keep your mouth shut if what you have to say will be offensive in any way, shape, or form.

I love all those boys with all of my heart and I'm not going to sit here and let people critisize them any longer. Everything happens for a reason and Ryan will ALWAYS live in our hearts.

Posted by Nathaniel69 on April 9, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Was he cute? What's his MySpace???