Ryan Christopher Clark, a 22-year-old male student at Virginia Tech, was tragically killed on April 16, 2007, in his dormitory, West Ambler Johnson Hall, in Blacksburg, Virginia. He was a resident advisor in the building and was one of the first victims in what would become one of the deadliest school shootings in United States history. Clark, from Martinez, Georgia, was a dedicated student, pursuing a triple major in psychology, biology, and English, and maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Known as
'Stack' to his friends, Ryan was a vibrant member of the university community. He was a member of the Marching Virginians band, where he played the baritone. Born in Landstuhl, West Germany, he was active in numerous service organizations and was remembered by friends and family as a joyful and caring individual who was always willing to help others.
On that tragic morning, Ryan was killed by Seung-Hui Cho, a 23-year-old student at Virginia Tech. Cho first killed Clark and another student, Emily Hilscher, in the residence hall. Following these initial attacks, Cho proceeded to Norris Hall, an academic building on campus, where he continued his shooting spree.
In total, Cho fatally shot 32 students and faculty members and wounded 17 others before taking his own life. The incident prompted a massive law enforcement response, but the perpetrator was deceased upon their entry into Norris Hall. As Cho committed suicide, there was no arrest or trial. The investigation confirmed that Seung-Hui Cho was the sole person responsible for the massacre.
