Shay service, vigils set

BY JEFF PEEK
jpeek@record-eagle.com

November 06, 2007 09:46 am

—

TRAVERSE CITY -- While doctors continue to search for the cause of Ryan Shay's death, Shay's family has announced funeral plans for the northern Michigan native, who was one of the top distance runners in the country.

In addition, Shay's friends are holding several candlelight vigils this week to celebrate the 28-year-old Shay's life.

Shay, who won 11 state track and cross country championships at Central Lake High School before going on to become the first individual track champion in Notre Dame history, collapsed and died 51/2 miles into the marathon Saturday morning at the Olympic Trials in New York City.

Shay's father, Joe Shay, said his son was diagnosed with an enlarged heart at the age of 14. An initial autopsy, released Sunday, was inconclusive.

Joe Shay called the Record-Eagle on Monday to offer thanks for the support his family has received.

"The response has been overwhelming," he said.

Visitation for Ryan Shay will be held at the Mortensen Funeral Home in Central Lake on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Harvest Barn Church in East Jordan. There will also be visitation for one hour before the service.

For more information log onto www.mortensefuneralhomes.com.

Central Lake athletic director Quinn Barry said candlelight vigils will be held at the Central Lake track from 6-9 p.m. every night this week.

More than 150 people attended a vigil Sunday night.

Barry is asking that all local runners attend Thursday night's vigil to run, walk and talk.

For more information, call Barry's office at (231) 544-3113.

As of 8 p.m. Monday, a message board at www.letsrun.com had received 827 messages about Ryan Shay since Saturday.

Joe Shay said he expects to see a number of his son's marathon friends and rivals at the funeral. He is anticipating hundreds of mourners this weekend.

Notre Dame coach Joe Piane and Shay's professional coach, Joe Vigil, will give the eulogy.

"To anyone and everyone who wants to come, please come," Joe Shay said. "We'll find room. It really helps us to know that so many people loved Ryan. He was a great son and a great friend to everyone he met."

Joe Shay said he has been told my medical examiners that a complete autopsy may take "four to eight weeks."

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.