MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Former WVU student Ryan Diviney who was beaten into a coma a decade ago just off WVU’s downtown campus died Sunday, according to a social media post.
“Ryan’s Rally We Got This” Facebook page posted a message Sunday evening announcing Diviney’s death.
“This was a post I never wanted to write. It is with great sadness I must inform you all that Ryan Diviney has succumbed to his injuries. It was sudden and unexpected.”
The post also mentioned Diviney’s family that has been by his side since the attack.
“The Diviney family is going through waves of unimaginable sadness, anger, and appreciation. Their sadness will be coped with over time and their anger will be directed where it is appropriate.
Mostly the Diviney’s appreciate what everyone has done for Ryan over the past 10 years. Without you all, Ryan would have never received the comfort and care, nor lived as long after the attacked as he did. They are sincerely grateful.”
Diviney’s father, Ken Diviney, texted MetroNews Monday morning.
“Please let the people of West Virginia know how deeply our family appreciates everything they did for my family, and Ryan specifically. We are sincerely and eternally grateful. We love them. Let them know my family holds them in our heart today,” Diviney said.
WVU also released a statement in connection with Diviney’s death.
“Our sincere condolences are with the Diviney family with word of Ryan’s death. The Diviney family has been an inspiration in its devotion to and care for Ryan since the tragedy almost 10 years ago. All Mountaineers hold Ryan and his family in our hearts during this very difficult time,” the university said.
Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May were charged in connection with the Nov. 2009 beating that happened near the Willey Street Dairy Mart in Morgantown. Vantrease was sentenced after his July 2010 conviction to 2-10 years for malicious assault. He kicked Diviney in the head after he had fallen to the ground. May, who threw the initial punch, was in jail for seven months. Vantrease has also completed his sentence.
Diviney suffered permanent brain damage. He never came out of the coma.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete Sunday night. Diviney’s organs will be donated.