Holly MatkinMadison, WI – Madison Police Department (MPD) Detective Nicholas “Nick” Ryan died unexpectedly on Jan. 22.
The 39-year-old detective’s exact cause of death has not been released.
Det. Ryan completed his undergraduate studies at Beloit College in Wisconsin, and subsequently attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, according to his obituary.
He joined MPD in 2007, and was promoted to the rank of detective nine years later.
“He was a proud member of the police hockey team and Phi Kappa Si Fraternity,” his obituary read. “Most of all, he loved his children and spending time with them.”
Det. Ryan was well-known for his “commitment to service,” Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a press release.
“In addition to being a hard working detective, his service as a mental health liaison officer and peer support team member illustrated his commitment to helping improve the lives of others,” Rhodes-Conway wrote.
“I wish to extend my deepest, heartfelt sympathies to his immediate family, his friends, to his colleagues at the Madison Police Department, and to everyone on Team City who had the opportunity to work with him,” the mayor added.
Det. Ryan leaves behind his wife, Amanda, and his children, Tommy and Julie, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, siblings, and many friends and extended family members.
A fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their sudden loss has raised over $1,500 so far.
Det. Ryan was laid to rest on Monday, according to his obituary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Madison Police Department Detective Nicholas “Nick” Ryan, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.