West Kelowna artist’s life comes to tragic end on vacation
Laurie Ryan mourned by family, associates following death while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
A West Kelowna woman has been killed by an explosion in a Mexican resort city.
Laurie Ryan, a local artist, had been on vacation in Cabo San Lucas at the time of the explosion.
Gulf Coast Wildlife Rehab, a wildlife rehabilitation centre based in Mississippi, whose T-shirts featured Ryan’s drawings, confirmed her death on Facebook.
“Laurie Ryan died tragically in Cabo San Lucas on June 23,” the post read. “There was an explosion that is still under investigation.”
The wildlife rehabilitation centre praised Ryan’s work, saying her contributions to art would never be forgotten.
“Laurie will be horribly missed by her family, friends, fellow artists, locally and abroad.”
According to her website, Ryan was born on the Prairies and began painting seriously in 2012, when she was retired and living in Mississippi.
In 2014, she moved to West Kelowna, where her art was available at her home studio and at New Moon Gallery in West Kelowna.
“It is with deep sadness that we let you know that Laurie Ryan has passed away,” a notice on her website said. “Please be advised that all art sales have been temporarily put on hold.”
Linda Lovisa, owner of New Moon Gallery, also posted about Ryan’s death on Facebook.
“Laurie was an artist who was loved by so many,” she said. “Not only was she a talented artist, she was inspiring, full of life, caring, funny, eager to learn, a great artist companion, always exploring and the list is long. She made a difference in many people’s lives. We will all miss her and cherish her beautiful work.”
Global Affairs Canada said Monday it was aware of reports a Canadian was killed by an explosion in Cabo San Lucas.
“Consular officials are providing assistance to the family and Canadian consular officials in Cabo San Lucas are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information,” Austin Jean, spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, said via email. “Our thoughts are with family and friends during this difficult time.”