Bridge Renamed After Fallen Soldier To Help Raise Suicide Awareness

Two bridges in Muskogee are now named for a fallen soldier, and when people drive past, his family hopes people will remember the tragedy of military suicides.

Sgt. Ryan Hogan died in 2008, when he was 27, of suicide, at Fort Bliss, Texas.

State Representative Avery Frix sponsored legislation to name the bridges, on the Shawnee Bypass, for Hogan. The bridges are just west of Muskogee High School, where Hogan graduated.

Billy Hogan, Ryan’s father, said his son’s death still weighs on him daily. “Every day, it's there when I wake up, it's there when I go to bed” he said.

Hogan, and his wife, Jeanette, believe they can help other families. They’ve spoken with other Gold Star Families, advocating for stronger mental health and suicide prevention efforts in the military.

Billy Hogan hopes the signs by the bridge will be a reminder for everyone who passes by. “I just think there's more that can be done. There's an answer to this problem.”

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