Why would anyone be walking down the highway at 5 in the morning? Someone must of still been drunk with no ride home and decided to walk.

RIP!

So much for don't drink don't drive. If you walk you'll be chalked. Don't Rome stay at home.

Stay alive don't walk down 55.

Comedian huh, your are poking fun at someone's Son being killed! Real Classy Dumb A$$!

Well said T-Bone.

Nancy! Shame on you. My God- how heartless. A young man was killed. Have a soul.

Wow, Nancy, you must not be a mother. Total and utter disrespect for someones death

I will never understand the ignorance of some people. Regardless of the reason he was walking there, that child won't wake to see another day and his poor family won't ever get the chance to tell him they love him. You, "Nancy" have Karma coming your way bigtime!

Really Nancy, really?! My heart goes out to Ryan's entire family!

Thank you Bob - well said! Those who are making smart remarks don't know what it is like being on this side of the situation - no matter WHY he was walking down the interstate - He was a relative of mine and my heart hurts!

Lots of people work the midnight shift - maybe his car broke down? Not everyone if out getting drunk on the weekend.

What a horrible and sad story. We are praying for Ryan and his entire family.

I find it sad that this young mans life was rubbed out by him performing a dumb act as walking in I 55. I do CLEARLY remember however that when I was a child my parent ALWAYS taught us to walk facing into traffic. By facing traffic one can see an imposing danger. We certainly do not approve of anyone walking on a (posted) interstate anyway, but would like to know what he was doing there in the first place? :(

So sorry for the loss of Ryan! I didn't know him well but he was my husbands aunts grandson. Lots of love and prayers sent to Ryan's parents and grandparents.

My condolences to all of Ryan's family and friends.. I know all of us at Mickey O'Neills are going to miss him. I considered Ryan a good friend and he was always one I joked with at work.. Rest in Peace bro, and I'll see u one day again...

Don't focus on Nancy she must have issues. Focus on Ryan and his family. Ignorance is only strong if given a place. So sorry for the Knudsen family and their loss.

Ryan was a nice, kind hearted person who just made you laugh! So sad to see someone so young no longer with us. He will be missed....

I'm sorry to say this but he committed suicide they just haven't said it yet Ryan was a good guy and will be missed

Ryan was a great guy! he would never commit suicide he loved his life, his girlfriend, friends, work, family. He was such a bright light, and good guy so funny I'm going to miss working with him a lot. He loved living for the moment and just having a good time. He was always chill and will to lend a hand if you needed help. It's very sad that he's not with us anymore and that we wont ever get to see his happy face again. I will miss him a lot but hope he is at peace. It's going to be a hard day at work today... ;'-(

I totally agree that Ryan was a great guy but he did and he did have some serious demons that he was fighting and not a lot of people knew the extent of his issues he was a great guy and will be missed dearly but the truth isn't always what we want to hear an I'm sorry that not everyone can face the truth

How do you know it was suicide

He said on fb that he was going to die on his birthday

I don't understand why it is even your business Sally to be writing that on here. Regardless of why this young man was walking on the highway the focus needs to be on Ryan's family, friends and girlfriend, not on the hearsay.
My heart goes out to every one that knew him.

Everyone has the right to write and in case u don't realize it he was my friend too and I am suffering a loss as well

Oh and if u have an issue with it u don't have to read it

Suicide was the first thought I had when I read this as well, and not just because the author of this piece is notorious for printing factually incorrect information.

Just over a week ago, there was a suicide portrayed on a popular TV show where the guy just walked out in front of a semi truck on the highway when it was at full speed.

There is a family grieving and it's not up to us to jump to conclusions until the facts are stated. All I am saying is have some respect for the family as they may read this article and the comments. Whatever the circumstances are the family will need community support. And I am the furthest thing from the problem.

Ryan was a sweet and kind soul. People who knew him should be the only ones to write about him here, not idiots that think they can judge him when they didn't even know him and all they know of him is through a newspaper article. Get real. Your negativity is not wanted here.

I am so sorry and my heart goes out to the family. I recently knew a memeber of the family and she loved her son dearly. It is no one business what happend and it isn't anyone right to judge him and guess what happened. Keep this family in prayer. They are great people and deservere respect. Be a community and suppourt them and not talk major quap about ryan and what you think happend.

Ryan was a really good friend of mine an to read half the bs on here makes me sick!!! Friends don't make stupid remarks about a loved one they lost... Ryan you will be miss an loved by your true friends a family!!! Never forgotten brother..

Sorry I really didn't mean to offend anyone in any way I have lost a child and once this happens to you everything changes and when something as horrible as this happens you want people to know why and how and hopefully this helps prevent it from happening again then my words did good and I'm am so sorry if it really hurt anyone

Again, debating here is simply insensative. please just keep the family in mind.

Just so everyone knows...according to State police reports he jumped in front of the truck before the driver had time to stop. Believe it or don't I really don't care. Oh, I see someone didn't like my last comment lol.

And for the family members can u please let us at Mickey O'niell's know when his service will be, so that the people who have respect can pay pur respects to his family.. thank you.

This is my 2nd cousin and I think it's really f***** up for people to put so much negative comments on a death announcement. Regardless of what you think nobody knows so shut your mouth. His grandmother is my aunt and I hope she never sees some of these ignorant remarks, myob people.

Do some of you not realize, that he has a family that cares about him? And these people, who just lost a son/ brother will see these rude, senseless and insensitive things that some of you are saying. How would you feel if that was your child or brother or family member? Seriously, why would you want to cause this family even more grief, if you are going to comment, please keep it appropriate.

Do some of you not realize, that he has a family that cares about him? And these people, who just lost a son/ brother will see these rude, senseless and insensitive things that some of you are saying. How would you feel if that was your child or brother or family member? Seriously, why would you want to cause this family even more grief, if you are going to comment, please keep it appropriate. Even more, please keep all comments to yourself regarding you 'theory' on how he died. If you do not have anything nice to say to this suffering family, then don't bother saying anything at all.

My prayers and condolences to all of Ryan's family and friends. I do have a question though. If he really did post it on fb that he was going to die on his birthday why wouldn't any of his friends who saw it ask him about why he posted it. Just sayin..

My prayers to the family of Ryan Knudsen. Please keep in mind that Ryan was someones child. Perhaps even someones brother, uncle and grandson. People are mourning him and people posting comments need to be sensitive to that. @Nancy - your attempts at being funny are cruel. I hope you never have to walk in the shoes his family is wearing right now. @Infamous Steve - why do you assume he was drunk? Perhaps his car broke down? Did you actually see the police report that stated he jumped in front of the truck? @Tim - I too have lost a friend to suicide. I agree there should not be a stigma attached. Despondent people need to know their feelings are nothing to be ashamed of and help is available.

The Patch is a Publication where we can voice our opinions... These are all replies to an article above.. not an obituary or memoriam page of the victim. Yes , I have kids his age and I could not imagine the pain his family is going through. We are a society that needs answers whether you want to admit it or not. My point is we all have a right to voice our Opinion rude or not. Whether it was an accident, suicide or drugs I will talk to my kids about this. My thoughts go out to the drivers as well. They will be emotionally scarred for life! Imagine how hard it must be to know that you just killed someone. Being under investigation, the family might blame you, self guilt?

Ryan was my buddy. His stories cracked me up. I probably lectured him more than I should have, but what can I say, my daughter is only 4 years younger than he was. He always won our dance offs @ Mickey O'Neill's... no one could do the pump better than him!!!! He was my number 1 arts & crafts guy, secretly I know he loved it. He was a good soul & would do anything for you. My thoughts & blessings go out to his family & friends. My heart aches for you all. My heart aches for my buddy, Ryan. I will truly miss you & feel blessed that you came into my life.

This is a tragedy. Friends should always have the back of their other friends.
Where were his friends? Why did this happen? Condolences to the family.

My thoughts are with Ryan's family at this time, and I hope they are able to cope and have enough time to grieve. Ryan was a good guy - and although I hadn't seen him in probably 2 years, I know he's probably the same sweet and fun guy he used to be. R.I.P Ryan, I know you'll be missed.

My buddy is scarred!!!! He will never be the same..he is just beyond emotions and driving was everything to him and I believe he is done.My sympathy to Ryan's family and friends,I can't imagine what your going through. Cj

This was my brother. As far as I`ve been told, he probably was drunk. But he was also depressed and really upset with where he was in his life. Therefore he stormed off on the people who cared about him and made a rash decision to end his own life. Or his behavior points that way, anyway. And to all those who feel it necessary to post negative comments on this story, keep in mind that his family is reading them, and you are really only making the cuts that this tragedy caused even deeper.

This man was my cousin, so as my girl said, remember, his loved ones are reading this, have a heart and please, be human for a day.

Where was he the night before ?
Where was his car?
Was it working?

I, too, know one of the drivers involved in this tragic accident very well. It is just as difficult for the drivers as it is for the family-- yes, they may still be alive, but they have to relive that accident every day for the rest of their lives. Imagine the pain they suffer trying to think of ANY way they could have avoided colliding with Ryan that fateful morning. Nothing can bring Ryan back, and for that, I am truly sorry, but let us all pray for all three involved-- Ryan and the two drivers. I know they could all use our prayers and words of support.

My son knew Ryan. Ryan had been at our house many times over the years. I always enjoyed his fantastic smile and friendly manners. To Ryan's family. I just heard about his fate today. May you find peace somehow and I truly wish I knew how to help you with that. God bless you.