SSG Ryan O'Hara

June 11, 1996 - January 29, 2025

B Co, 12 AVN

SSG O'Hara made the ultimate sacrifice while conducting a training mission when his UH-60 Blackhawk crashed near Washington DC on January 29th, 2025.

Ryan Austin O'Hara was born on June 11th, 1996 in Orlando County, Florida to parents Mary and Gary O'Hara and grew up in Lilburn, Georgia with his little sister, Taryn. Upon graduating high school Ryan enlisted in the US Army as a UH-60 Helicopter repairer. Ryan married his first wife, Lucynda, and they enjoyed several years together. Ryan discovered a love for the outdoors, coffee, travel, and aviation. With an eye on the sky and a head in the clouds, Ryan spent a lot of his time daydreaming about flying, but his deepest passion was working with his hands and manual labors. During his early adult life Ryan accrued a reputation for being a walking technical manual for the Blackhawk, a hoist expert, and a supportive mentor.

On February 17th, 2023 Ryan married his second wife, Danielle. Together Ryan and Danielle spent much of their time hiking, motorcycling, overlanding, drinking coffee, cooking exotic foods, and daydreaming about the self sustainable lifestyle they would teach their children. On November 19th, 2023, Ryan and Danielle welcomed their son, Wyatt, to the world. Ryan spent the rest of his life absolutely devoted and dedicated to his cherished son. It was clear to all that Ryan's world revolved around his family, and together their small family basked in a joy few in this world experience.

Tragically, Ryan's life ended suddenly on January 29th, 2025. He is survived by his mother Mary, his father Gary, his little sister Taryn, his favorite aunt Barb, his wife Danielle, and his beloved son Wyatt. Ryan's legacy will live on in the crew chiefs he trained, the lives he touched with his kindness, and his son who shares his gentle nature.