Zana told TMZ that Ryan had been fighting for shared custody of his four children for the past eight months. His ex-wife, however, wanted primary custody—a dispute that took a deep emotional toll on him.
Ryan, who had a history of mental health struggles, had been working to improve his well-being before his heartbreaking decision to take his own life.
What Happened That Night?
Authorities say Ryan fatally shot himself after an argument with Zana while they were driving home from a performance in Las Vegas. According to the police report, the couple was arguing about a jacket when Ryan grabbed a gun from the glove box, stepped out of the car, and pulled the trigger.
However, Zana disputes parts of the report, insisting there was no real argument. She claims police misunderstood her statement and took it out of context. She had simply asked Ryan if he had grabbed her jacket from the valet at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, but says there was no heated exchange.
She also denies that Ryan called her a derogatory name, as stated in the police report. Instead, she says she told officers she felt like one because she couldn’t stop him from taking his life.
Zana also says she felt pressured into making a statement before she had time to process what had happened.
A Musical Legacy Lives On
Despite his personal struggles, Ryan left a lasting impact on his fans. Zana remembers him as an uplifting force who encouraged others to chase their dreams.
"He was an amazing dad, son, brother, fiancé, friend, and musical savant," she said.
A celebration of life is planned for Wednesday night at Ole Red in Las Vegas, where his band will honor his memory with a tribute performance.
Ryan’s final wish was to be cremated, with his ashes spread in a lake near his hometown of Traverse City, Michigan.
His loss is deeply felt by those who knew him, but his music and influence will live on.
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