‘Keep those prayers coming’: Community mourns the loss of 9-year-old boy killed in side-by-side crash

LINCOLN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ/Gray News) - A 9-year-old boy in West Virginia died Monday night in a side-by-side crash, according to officials.

The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department said the boy was identified as Ryder Shortridge.

The sheriff’s department said the crash took place in the Cavill Creek area of Cabell County.

Ryder attended West Hamlin Elementary School, which held a vigil service for him Tuesday night.

Members of the school community came out for the service, lighting candles to support the Shortridge family.

Jonah Adkins, pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church, attended the vigil Tuesday.

“So, the candles typically signify just a representation of the light. We think about Ryder, the life of a young child. Children light up our life, and so that’s what that flame represents,” Adkins said.

Adkins said the overwhelming support has helped the family grieve a day after the death of their son.

“Already that is personally comforting them, they have shared that with me and they want to say thank you for the prayers and please keep those prayers coming for them,” he said.

The Shortridge family stood on the gazebo in front of the school as the community grieved with them.

Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Frank Barnett said the family has been a part of the school system for a long time.

“Well, it doesn’t shock me, you know, especially in times of need and times of sorrow and things of this nature. That’s when you really see the outpouring of love and support,” Barnett said.

Adkins said the Shortridge family is full of great people and amazing parents.

“They’re always just doing everything they can for their kids and they really are role models in the community,” he said.

Barnett said Ryder’s personality always left an impact on those around him.

“When you have a young man who’s as outgoing and energetic and the life of the party, and you know he just lit up the room, and what little bit of time I’ve been around him,” he said. “To lose a child, any child, is just devastating to a school community.”

Superintendent Barnett said the vigil taught students that they are not alone in the grieving process.

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