Rylen Yager, 14, an eighth-grader at Fruitport Middle School, died from a gunshot wound to the chest on the evening of Saturday, January 24, 2026. Known in his community as a talented artist and athlete with an infectious smile and a kind heart, Rylen was found at a Romedius Street residence after emergency responders arrived at about 7:20 p.m.

Preliminary findings indicate another minor was holding the firearm when it discharged. Because of a non-public safety affiliation between Rylen’s family and Fruitport Township, the Michigan State Police took over the investigation and the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office began reviewing the matter. Prosecutors were considering criminal charges against the juvenile who was holding the gun, and investigators expanded their inquiry to examine whether the firearm’s owner had violated Michigan’s safe storage laws.

No arrests had been publicly announced as of late January 2026 and the prosecutor’s decision on formal charges was pending. Does anyone who knew Rylen or was in Fruitport that night have information that could help clarify how the minors accessed the weapon?