On December 13, 2025, late in the afternoon, Michael J. Ryan died Saturday while helping to rescue an injured hiker on Panther Mountain in Shandaken, NY. It is reported that he was a 1/2 mile off the trail when he experienced a fatal cardiac arrest. Other members of his group (NYS Rangers, EMS, etc) performed CPR immediately, but were unsuccessful in reviving him.
Michael Ryan was a Phoenicia firefighter and Fire District Commissioner. He also worked in an EMS capacity. Prior to that he worked as a Sheriff and police officer in Ulster County. The hiking community is grateful for all the people he helped over the years.
UPDATED STORY FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEC:
Wilderness Rescue in the Town of Shandaken in Ulster County
On December 13 at 5:44 p.m., Ulster County 911 received an SOS message from a subject with an unstable lower leg injury on Panther Mountain. Forest Rangers Franceschina and Horn responded shortly after the Phoenicia Volunteer Fire Department. The firefighters had already packaged the 20-year-old from New Jersey and began walking down the trail. Moments before Rangers arrived, one of the rescuers, the Fire Commissioner Michael Ryan, had a medical emergency and went into cardiac arrest. Rangers immediately began CPR. Due to the steep and technical terrain, Rangers, firefighters, and Shandaken Police quickly extracted the Commissioner down the trail to meet Shandaken paramedics, who used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Paramedics continued using the AED while rescuers carried him to an ambulance. The rescuer passed away at Margaretville Hospital.
Ranger Horn remained with the original subject, splinted the ankle and created a hypo wrap while waiting for Rangers Pries and Rusher. Rangers and Phoenicia and Olive volunteer firefighters belayed the subject down a steep section of the trail and transferred them to an ambulance, which transported them to the hospital. Resources were clear of the scene at 8:30 p.m. They remained at the hospital until 12:15 a.m.
STATEMENT FROM DEC COMMISSIONER AMANDA LEFTON
I join our DEC Forest Rangers and the entire State of New York in mourning the loss of Phoenicia Fire District Commissioner and Firefighter Michael Ryan.
A proven hero, Firefighter Ryan responded to a call on December 13 to assist DEC Forest Rangers in a hiker rescue on the Fox Hollow Trail in the Town of Shandaken, Ulster County, and suffered a significant medical emergency during the response. Local, volunteer-led fire departments provide substantial support to DEC Forest Rangers in the noble work to protect public safety. Firefighter Ryan exemplified leadership in his role in protecting his community and his partnership with DEC. We offer our heartfelt sympathies and gratitude to Firefighter Ryan’s family, fellow firefighters, community, and all who loved him.
