It is with profound sorrow that we announce the heartbreaking passing of Rylee Creed, a beautiful and spirited 3-year-old girl from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Rylee’s life was tragically cut short after she was reported missing and later found near a swimming area in Pine Creek Lake, Oklahoma. Her sudden and untimely death has devastated her family, community, and the broader Choctaw Nation, leaving behind a void that words can scarcely capture.
Remembering Benjamin “Ben” Henry of Fort Wayne, IN: A Life of Quiet Strength and Kindness
A Light Gone Too Soon
Born in 2021, Rylee was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. Even at such a young age, her radiant personality left a lasting impact. With sparkling eyes and an infectious laugh, she brought joy and warmth to every space she entered. Rylee loved music, dancing, exploring nature, and spending time with her cherished stuffed bear—her constant companion.
She was a loving daughter, a doting granddaughter, and a source of unending joy to her extended family. Her favorite phrase, “I love you big,” now echoes in the hearts of those left behind. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel special, her kindness and curiosity shining through in every interaction.
A Community United in Grief
Rylee’s disappearance sparked an immediate and massive search effort involving members of the Choctaw Nation, local law enforcement, and volunteers. The community came together in a powerful show of unity, hope, and prayer. Despite their tireless efforts, Rylee’s body was discovered on June 24 near the swimming area where she was last seen.
The grief that now grips her family and the community is immense. “We just wanted to bring her home,” a family member shared tearfully. “Now we can say goodbye the way she deserves.” The tragedy has left the community grappling not only with sorrow but also with renewed urgency to address child safety and support for families, particularly in Indigenous communities.
Honoring a Cherished Spirit
Rylee was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation, and her life was a vibrant reflection of her heritage. Her short time on earth was filled with love, laughter, and the traditions that connected her to generations before her. She carried within her the strength and beauty of her people, and her memory will continue to be honored throughout the Choctaw Nation and beyond.
Plans are underway for a memorial and candlelight vigil where friends, family, and the broader community will gather to honor Rylee’s life. The service will include traditional Choctaw prayers and blessings, paying tribute to her cultural roots and the sacredness of her spirit.
A Call to Action and Compassion
In lieu of flowers, Rylee’s family has requested donations to organizations that advocate for the safety and wellbeing of Indigenous children, including the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services. These contributions will help ensure that Rylee’s memory lives on through efforts to protect and uplift vulnerable youth.
Rylee’s passing is a sorrowful reminder of how fragile life can be. Her story calls us all to embrace our loved ones more tightly, to protect the most vulnerable among us, and to nurture the bonds of community with compassion and care.
Rest in Love, Rylee
Rylee is survived by her loving parents, grandparents, extended family, and a heartbroken community that adored her. Though her time here was short, the love she gave and received will never fade.
“She was our light. She still is.”
May Rylee Creed rest in peace, and may her family find comfort in the outpouring of love and solidarity during this unimaginable time. Her laughter, love, and light will live on in every heart she touched.