Town roars with ‘biggest ride out yet' in memory of Ryan Passey
This week (August 6) marked eight years since Ryan was stabbed to death in Chicago's nightclub in Stourbridge, aged just 24.
From the pain of losing the Quarry Bank tradesman and footballer, the Justice for Ryan Campaign was launched, to fight to ensure those responsible for Ryan's death are held accountable, along with the annual Ride for Justice to honour Ryan's memory, which began in 2018.
Hundreds of bikers descended on The Widders pub in Cradley this morning (August 9) before beginning their procession, riding five laps around Stourbridge Ring Road before travelling down the high street to pass the site of the former nightclub.
Jason Connon from the Justice for Ryan campaign said it was the 'biggest turnout [they've] had since launching the Ride for Justice event.'
He said: 'For Ryan's parents and family, the past eight years continue to be a traumatic roller coaster of emotions, faced with persistent challenges in trying to finally achieve justice and closure for Ryan and all the family.
'We are in no doubt about the challenges and complexity of finally achieving justice for Ryan, but we remain as determined today as we were back in February 2018 to achieve justice.
'We continue to liaise closely with detectives from West Midlands Police and remain hopeful to be able to deliver significant news regarding our fight and campaign for Justice for Ryan in the near future.
'For now, we continue to remain dignified as a family. We fight on in memory of our beautiful Ryan. Eight years on, we still grieve and miss our Ryan dearly.'
Ryan Passey was fatally stabbed in 2017 in the old Chicago's nightclub (Image: Handout)
Ryan's family wished to pass on their "heartfelt" thanks to everyone who turned up in support of today's Ride for Justice, and offered a 'massive' thank you to their lifelong family friend, John Hill, who organises the ride-out events.
'It's clear from the turnout and support that everyone wants to see justice done," Mr Connan added.
A man who was accused of Ryan's murder walked free from court after being found not guilty by a jury of murder and manslaughter in 2018, despite having admitted in court that he 'stabbed out' at Ryan as trouble flared.
West Midlands Police reopened the investigation into Ryan's death two years ago, after an independent review into its original investigation found 18 recommendations the force was urged to follow.
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