Son of 'Boston Globe' Sports Columnist Bob Ryan Takes His Life in Pakistan

By: E&P Staff The son of well-known Boston Globe sports columnist Bob Ryan is dead. Keith Ryan, 37, a U.S. attache, took his life in Pakistan.

An excerpt from the Globe's account today follows.

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His political convictions brought Mr. Ryan into a career of federal service, which ultimately led to Pakistan, where he was an attach? for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, based in Islamabad. Mr. Ryan apparently took his life, according to the US State Department, and was found yesterday in his Islamabad residence. He was 37 and was about to return home to visit his wife and three children in Silver Spring, Md.

"As anyone who has been confronted with the suicide of a family member can tell you, the only word to describe the sensation is devastated," Bob Ryan said. "We will always have questions."

The US Embassy in Pakistan issued a statement praising Mr. Ryan, who, his father said, had been stationed in Islamabad since December 2006.

"Mr. Ryan was a well-respected, trusted, and longtime member of the US Mission in Pakistan," the statement said. "His death is a great loss. He will be sorely missed by all who have known and worked with him here in Pakistan."

Even as a child, Mr. Ryan seemed destined for high-pressure jobs and the accompanying burdens of responsibility.

"He was extremely bright and extremely opinionated and extremely outgoing," his father said. "He was an extrovert's extrovert - a very precocious child who was sure of himself from a very early age."

Twelve years ago, he married Kate Moriarty. They have 8-year-old triplets, Conor, John, and Amelia. Mr. Ryan also leaves his mother, Elaine, and a sister, Jessica, both of Hingham.

While Mr. Ryan was based in Islamabad, his family lived in Silver Spring and he returned home to visit several times since the end of 2006, most recently in December, his father said.

Bob Ryan said the family will announce a funeral service soon, but must wait until his son can be brought home from Islamabad.

The US Embassy in Pakistan said that although "there does not appear to have been any foul play," a full investigation will be conducted. However, Mr. Ryan's father said he had been told yesterday that Pakistani authorities had yet to issue a ruling, which could add time to the decision-making process in Islamabad.

"We'd like to thank everyone who has contacted us to express their sympathy and support," Bob Ryan said.

Steven Ainsley, the Globe's publisher, said in a statement yesterday, "I know that we join everyone who knows Bob in expressing our deepest sorrow at his loss. The thoughts and prayers of all Globe employees, past and present, are with him and his family."