In Loving Memory of Ryder Houser and Joshua Benjamin “Josh” Willoughby
Tragedy Strikes the Bayou Academy Family
Cleveland, Mississippi
With shattered hearts and an overwhelming sense of sorrow, the Bayou Academy community mourns the tragic loss of two beloved students, Ryder Houser and Joshua Benjamin “Josh” Willoughby, whose young lives were heartbreakingly cut short in a devastating crash that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The accident, which took place just outside Cleveland, Mississippi, has sent shockwaves through the entire school and local community, leaving friends, classmates, teachers, and families struggling to comprehend the unimaginable. In an instant, two bright lights, full of potential and promise, were extinguished far too soon.
Remembering Ryder Houser
Ryder was known throughout the Bayou Academy halls for his easygoing nature, quiet strength, and genuine heart. A true friend to many, he had a presence that brought calm to chaos and kindness to every conversation. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or among friends, Ryder was someone who led not by volume, but by example. His humility, respect for others, and deep love for his family made him not just a student — but a young man of character.
Those who knew Ryder speak of his deep sense of responsibility, his compassion for others, and his warm, sincere smile. He approached each day with quiet confidence and showed up not just for himself, but for those he cared about. Ryder’s absence will be felt every day — on the sidelines, in the cafeteria, during morning announcements — in all the places where his kindness once quietly anchored others.
Remembering Joshua “Josh” Willoughby
Josh Willoughby, affectionately known by many simply as “Josh,” was a bundle of energy, laughter, and endless curiosity. He was the kind of student who lit up every room he entered — with his sense of humor, his thoughtful observations, and his unfiltered joy for life. His teachers recall a young man who asked the big questions, never shied away from a challenge, and truly cared about the people around him.
Josh was fun-loving and fiercely loyal, always ready to crack a joke, lend a hand, or offer encouragement. His friendships were deep, and his personality magnetic. He had a spark — a unique energy that drew people in and made them feel like they mattered. He was destined for great things, and the loss of that potential is felt like a thunderclap through our halls.
A School in Mourning
At Bayou Academy, we are more than just a school — we are a family. And today, that family is grieving. There are no words to fully express the ache we feel as we remember Ryder and Josh. Their desks may be empty, but their impact remains etched in every corner of our campus and every heart they touched.
Counselors, clergy, and community leaders have been made available to students, staff, and families as we navigate this deep and sudden loss. We encourage our community to lean on one another, to grieve together, and to find healing in shared remembrance. In honor of Ryder and Josh, the school will also hold a Candlelight Vigil later this week — an opportunity for the entire Cleveland community to come together, mourn, and celebrate the lives of these two remarkable young men.
Supporting the Families
We ask everyone to keep the Houser and Willoughby families in your thoughts and prayers as they face this unimaginable tragedy. In the coming days, support efforts will be coordinated to assist both families with funeral expenses, emotional support, and any additional needs that arise. Details about memorial funds, service arrangements, and how to help will be announced through official school and community channels.
In moments like these, our strength lies in our unity. Let us rally around these grieving families, offering compassion, love, and support in every way we can.
A Legacy That Lives On
Though their lives were far too short, Ryder and Josh leave behind a powerful legacy — of friendship, of love, of the incredible impact that even the youngest among us can have. They remind us to cherish every moment, to love fiercely, and to hold each other a little closer.
As a school, we will carry their memory forward — through scholarship efforts, tribute events, and a renewed commitment to the values they represented: kindness, resilience, loyalty, and heart.