ROTHBURY, Mich. — The Rothbury and Montague communities are grieving the heartbreaking loss of Ryan Welch, a beloved son, brother, friend, and neighbor whose life was tragically cut short following a fatal car accident in Montague earlier this week.
According to preliminary reports from local authorities, the crash occurred late Monday evening along a rural stretch of road near Montague. Emergency responders from the White Lake Fire Authority and Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office arrived within minutes of the 911 call, but despite their best efforts, Welch succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash, though early indications suggest that weather and road conditions may have played a factor.
Ryan Welch, described by those who knew him as a “bright light” in both his hometown of Rothbury and neighboring Montague, leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and quiet strength. Friends say he was the first to lend a hand, the first to make others laugh, and the last to ever give up on someone in need.
“Ryan had this rare gift of making everyone feel seen and valued,” said close friend Amanda Fisher, who grew up with Welch in Rothbury. “He could walk into a room and instantly make it better. Losing him feels like losing a piece of our community.”
Welch was a graduate of Montague High School, where he was involved in athletics and volunteered for several local youth programs. Those who coached or taught him remember his dedication, humility, and deep sense of loyalty to his friends and teammates.
“He was the kind of young man every coach hopes to have — respectful, hardworking, and full of heart,” said Coach Steve Thompson, who led Welch’s high school basketball team. “Ryan wasn’t just a player; he was a leader by example.”
After high school, Ryan remained rooted in the area, working locally and spending much of his free time outdoors. Friends say he loved fishing on White Lake, hiking through Muskegon County’s trails, and spending Sunday afternoons with his family. His parents, Mark and Linda Welch, described their son as “a gentle soul with a big heart and even bigger dreams.”
As word of the tragedy spread, an outpouring of grief and support swept across Rothbury and Montague. Community members have been visiting the Welch family home to offer condolences, share meals, and pray together. A growing memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now marks the site of the crash, symbolizing the deep connection Ryan shared with his hometowns.
Local churches and youth organizations are planning a candlelight vigil this weekend at Montague Town Square, where friends and family will gather to celebrate Ryan’s life. Organizers say the event will include music, prayer, and time for loved ones to share memories and reflections.
“Ryan’s heart was as big as this community,” said Pastor Julie Grant of Montague United Methodist Church. “He loved his family, his friends, and his hometown. Though we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the joy and love he brought to everyone he met.”
Authorities remind residents to drive carefully, especially on winding rural roads that can become slick during the fall season. Muskegon County has seen several serious accidents this year, prompting renewed calls for improved lighting and signage in certain areas.
Funeral arrangements for Ryan Welch are being handled by Harris Funeral Home in Shelby, with services expected to be announced in the coming days.
For now, both Rothbury and Montague are united in grief — and in gratitude for having known someone whose presence touched so many lives.
“Ryan was the heart of this town,” said neighbor Tom Blevins. “He may be gone, but his kindness, his laughter, and his spirit will live on in every person who had the blessing of knowing him.”
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