Ryan Alexander Marin was a kind and generous 14-year-old boy with a passion for soccer and a reputation for always being willing to help those around him. Born on July 15, 2012, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Ryan was a freshman at Cary-Grove High School, where he played on the junior varsity soccer team. He also played for the Cary Soccer Association.
His family, friends, and community remember him for his compassionate and caring spirit, his helpful nature, and the warmth he brought into every room. His teammates and coaches recall not just his love for the game, but also the friendship, kindness, and camaraderie he shared with everyone.
The tragedy that cut his life short occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, September 26, 2026. Around 1:29 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to a home in the 300 block of Carl Sands Drive in Cary for what was initially reported as an unknown medical emergency. Callers to 911 stated that a person was bleeding and that someone was performing CPR. When police officers and paramedics arrived, occupants of the house directed them to Ryan, who was suffering from a critical and traumatic injury.
First responders rendered aid before Ryan was rushed by ambulance to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. A medical helicopter had been requested due to the severity of his condition, but it was canceled. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Ryan Marin was pronounced dead in the emergency room. An autopsy performed by the Lake County Coroner's Office confirmed that he died from a single gunshot wound.
The Cary Police Department, assisted by the Major Investigations Assistance Team (MIAT), immediately began an investigation into the shooting. Crime scene tape surrounded the home for hours as investigators worked to piece together the events that led to Ryan's death. Investigators recovered a semiautomatic pistol at the scene. According to Cary Deputy Police Chief Scott Naydenoff, the investigation indicated that the firearm did not belong to the family living in the home.
Police believe the gun was brought into the residence by a juvenile family member of Ryan's. "We believe the firearm was being handled when it discharged, striking the victim," Naydenoff stated in early October 2026. He added that investigators were still working to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the discharge, including who was holding the weapon when it fired. Police were awaiting the results of forensic evidence analysis to help reach a conclusion.
The loss was felt deeply by all who knew Ryan. In his obituary, his family said he "was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be profoundly missed by his parents, brother, sister, extended family, friends, teachers, teammates, coaches, and the entire community." The notice continued, "His compassion, helpful nature, and genuine kindness touched the lives of so many." A visitation was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Cardinal Funeral Home, followed by a funeral mass at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cary. He was laid to rest at Windridge Cemetery.
As of early October 2026, the investigation into Ryan Marin's death remained active and ongoing. No charges had been filed, and authorities had not released further details, stating that preliminary information could change as new evidence came to light. The case was being investigated as an accidental shooting.
