James Ryan Roberts, an Idaho Falls resident and Army veteran, passed away under tragic circumstances following a vehicle accident in the Walmart parking lot in Ammon on Thursday night. According to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded just after 11 p.m. when deputies and Idaho Falls Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a crash involving Roberts’ vehicle, which had collided with storage containers in the lot.
Key Takeaways
- James Ryan Roberts, an Army veteran and father of seven, died after a car accident in Ammon, Idaho, on Thursday night.
- Roberts was found huffing compressed air at the crash scene, detained, and later collapsed at the hospital, where he could not be revived.
- A fundraiser has been launched on GoFundMe to support Roberts’ family, which has already raised over $16,000.
- The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident with assistance from the Tri-County Sheriff’s Association.
Ryan Roberts Car Accident
On arrival, deputies found Roberts, aged 40, engaged in huffing compressed air canisters inside his vehicle. Although no one else was in the car or injured in the accident, the situation quickly took a dire turn. Deputies detained Roberts on suspicion of driving under the influence and transported him to a local hospital to obtain a blood sample and necessary medical clearance.
While at the hospital, Roberts collapsed suddenly. Emergency room personnel administered life-saving measures, but they were ultimately unable to revive him. Bonneville County Coroner Rick Taylor later confirmed Roberts’ identity, though the official cause of death has not been determined and remains under investigation. Sheriff Samuel Hulse has requested assistance from the Tri-County Sheriff’s Association to conduct a thorough, unbiased inquiry, as is customary in cases involving individuals in custody.
This tragic event has not only shaken the community but has left Roberts’ family—his wife of 18 years, Jen, and their seven children—in mourning. Roberts, a devoted father and husband, struggled with PTSD after serving two tours in the Army, a condition that likely contributed to his personal struggles and mental health challenges in recent years.
In light of this unexpected loss, family friend Nicole Andrews has set up a GoFundMe campaign titled “Assist Ryan Roberts’ Family with Funeral Costs.” The fundraiser, which has already garnered over $16,000 from 138 donations towards a $30,000 goal, aims to support Jen and her children as they navigate this difficult time. Andrews shared that the funds will be used to cover funeral expenses and to assist Jen as she adjusts to life as a single mother, describing Roberts as a beloved figure who will be deeply missed.
“We want to help this family not have to think about how to support themselves while healing from this tragic loss,” Andrews wrote on the fundraising page, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.
Roberts’ passing serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by veterans dealing with PTSD, especially those returning from active duty. His life, service, and the impact he had on his family and community will be remembered as efforts continue to help his family cope with this heartbreaking tragedy.