The Stratford community is grieving the tragic loss of Ryan Julian, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Bunnell High School and beloved football player, who was killed in a devastating car crash early Saturday morning.
According to Stratford Police, the crash occurred around 3:35 a.m. on Nichols Avenue, when a vehicle carrying five young people from Stratford and nearby Bridgeport lost control and struck a tree. Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene, while one passenger remains in critical condition and three others suffered minor injuries.
First responders described the scene as “heart-wrenching,” with debris scattered across the roadway in the pre-dawn darkness. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, examining whether speed, driver error, mechanical failure, or road conditions may have played a role.
Ryan’s death has sent shockwaves through Stratford, particularly at Bunnell High School, where he recently celebrated graduation. Known for his determination, optimism, and leadership, Ryan was admired both on and off the football field. Coaches described him as a “dedicated Bulldog” who gave his all to the team and embodied the school’s spirit of perseverance and unity.
In an emotional tribute posted online, the Bunnell High School football team remembered Ryan as “a positive and dedicated player who left a lasting mark on everyone he met.”
Acting Superintendent Heather Borges expressed her condolences in a statement Saturday afternoon, saying,
“Our hearts go out to Ryan’s family, friends, and the entire Bunnell High School community. Counselors and support staff are available to help students and staff navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Throughout the weekend, classmates, friends, and neighbors gathered near the crash site to leave flowers, candles, and handwritten notes. The makeshift memorial grew steadily as mourners shared tears, prayers, and memories of a young man remembered for his bright smile and kind spirit.
Neighbors described Ryan as polite, hardworking, and full of promise.
“He always had a smile on his face,” one family friend said. “He was the kind of kid you wanted your own children to be around — kind, humble, and driven.”
As investigators continue to piece together what led to the crash, Stratford remains united in grief. Vigils and remembrance events are being planned in Ryan’s honor, offering loved ones a chance to celebrate his life and legacy.
Ryan Julian’s story is a painful reminder of life’s fragility, but also of the strength of community in times of heartbreak. In just 18 years, he made a profound impact — one that his family, teammates, and friends will carry forward foreve