A 19-year-old man from Oklahoma tragically drowned after being caught in a rip current off Panama City Beach on Thursday. Ryker Milton, a first-year online seminary student, was shadowing the student pastor at New Community Church, a nondenominational Christian church, according to Lead Pastor Simeon Young.
What Happened To Ryker Milton?
Milton’s untimely death is part of a series of drowning incidents at Florida beaches over the past few days, which have claimed the lives of at least six out-of-state visitors. These tragedies underscore the deadly nature of rip currents in the area.
On Friday, three men visiting from Alabama also drowned in Panama City Beach while single red flags were flying, indicating hazardous conditions due to high surf or strong currents. Harold Denzel Hunter, 25; Jemonda Ray, 24; and Marius Richardson, 24, all from the Birmingham area, entered the water around 8 p.m. They had just arrived and wanted to swim before heading out for the evening. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office reported that the men were found within a half mile of where they entered the water and were pronounced dead at local hospitals.
These incidents highlight Panama City Beach’s alarming reputation as one of the deadliest beaches in the United States. In 2023, it had more rip current-related deaths than any other U.S. location, according to National Weather Service data. Last year, rip currents in Florida killed more than 30 people, compared to five in New Jersey and three each in California, South Carolina, and Louisiana.
Rip currents, fast-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore, pose a significant threat to beachgoers, especially during the busy summer season. The National Ocean Service estimates that thousands of people are rescued from rip currents each year in the U.S. Lifeguards frequently post hazardous rip current flags to warn of the dangers, but many still underestimate the risks.
Ryker Milton Obituary
Ryker Milton’s death has left a profound impact on his community. Milton, a local soccer star from Muskogee, OK, was beloved by many. The Hilldale Soccer club, where he played, paid tribute to him on social media, expressing their deep affection and sorrow.
“Today, we lost one of the most special kids to come through our program. It’s so hard to describe this young man in words that will do his life justice. I don’t know where to begin. Tonight’s prayer circle truly showed the impact he made. In such short notice, all of these people showed up to honor Ryker and pray for his family and so many more people that couldn’t make it also loved this kid,” the Hilldale Soccer club wrote on Facebook.
Messages of condolences and support have flooded social media, offering comfort to Ryker’s family and friends. The Hilldale Soccer community expressed their deep affection for him, stating, “We love you, Ryker. It was an honor to coach you, play with you, and cheer you on. You changed all of our lives. We will miss you so much.”
As the community mourns this tremendous loss, the dangers of rip currents remain a stark reminder of the need for caution and respect for nature’s power. Ryker Milton’s life, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on all who knew him.