The HYROX and obstacle course racing community is mourning the tragic loss of Rylan Schadegg, a gifted athlete whose life was defined by passion, faith, and an unshakable commitment to others.
Rylan passed away on Sunday evening, doing what he loved most—running through the mountains, pushing his limits, and embracing the freedom of the outdoors. His family has shared that his motto was to “live wild and die free”, and those words capture the essence of the adventurous, driven, and deeply spiritual life he led.
A Life Rooted in Faith and Love
For those who knew Rylan, his faith in Christ was not just a private belief but a guiding force that shaped every part of his journey. It was reflected in his training, his presence on social media, and in the countless small interactions that revealed his compassion and humility.
His family described him as a son, brother, friend, and mentor whose warmth and joy touched everyone around him. More than his athletic accomplishments, what people will remember most is the way he carried himself—with kindness, humility, and a sincere love for others.
Rylan’s family shared a heartfelt statement, saying:
“Those of you that know Rylan, know that his faith in Christ and his resulting love for others characterized the way he lived life. He was a son, brother, friend, and mentor to many who will miss his smile, his friendship, and his own unique brand of humble competitive drive. We pray that his love for Jesus and his example will be a reminder for us to always pursue Jesus and live life with everything you have.”
An Athlete Who Inspired a Community
Rylan was not only an athlete—he was a force within the HYROX and OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) communities. Known for his speed, strength, and determination, he pushed boundaries on the course, but he also lifted others around him with encouragement and support. He had a unique ability to inspire without boasting, to challenge others while reminding them that joy and passion mattered most.
Members of the OCR community shared their grief in a touching tribute:
“Our OCR family is heartbroken by the passing of Rylan Schadegg. Rylan wasn’t just an incredible athlete, he was the kind of person who lifted others up, who pushed with joy and determination, and who reminded us all why we love this sport and this community. Whether it was on the course, in the mountains, or just in everyday life, he lived with passion and kindness that inspired everyone around him. Rylan, you’ll never be forgotten and forever missed.”
Living Wild, Loving Deeply
Whether he was training, racing, or simply spending time outdoors, Rylan embodied the freedom and exhilaration of living life fully. He often shared glimpses of this spirit through his adventures—running up mountains, tackling grueling races, and embracing the challenge of competition. Yet, through all of his accomplishments, he remained grounded in humility. His “humble competitive drive”, as his family described, was one of his most defining traits: he raced to test his limits, but he never lost sight of the importance of lifting others along the way.
A Legacy That Lives On
The loss of Rylan has left a deep void in the lives of his loved ones and within the broader athletic community. For his family, the grief is profound, and they have asked for privacy and time to process as they navigate this painful chapter. Yet, even in their mourning, they hope that Rylan’s faith, love, and example will continue to inspire others to embrace life with courage, passion, and devotion.
For his fellow athletes, his absence will be felt at every starting line, every mountain trail, and every finish line celebration. Yet his spirit remains present—in the friendships he built, the encouragement he gave, and the inspiration he sparked. His life was a reminder that true greatness is not just measured in victories, but in the way one uplifts and impacts others.
Final Thoughts
The sudden passing of Rylan Schadegg is a heartbreaking reminder of both the fragility of life and the power of living with intention. He leaves behind a legacy of athletic excellence, unwavering faith, and profound kindness. To his family, friends, and the entire HYROX and OCR communities—his memory will forever remain alive in the mountains he loved, in the races he inspired, and in the countless lives he touched.
Rylan lived wild. He died free. And he will never be forgotten.
