Ryan Hyde, a resident of Roaring Creek, tragically passed away on October 28, 2025, after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head in Cotton Tree Village. The incident occurred on Friday night when an unidentified assailant approached Hyde and fired a single shot. He was initially rushed to the Western Regional Hospital before being transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for advanced medical care. Despite efforts, Hyde succumbed to his injuries.
Hyde had a contentious history with the law. In 2018, he pleaded guilty to stealing 220 feet of copper wire from a SMART compound in Corozal, resulting in a $1,000 fine. However, his legal troubles escalated when he and Coast Guard officer Denzel Wagner were charged with the attempted murder of farmer Jose Amilcar Najera, who was shot in Belmopan on December 21, 2017. Hyde remained in police custody during this period.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, with authorities yet to identify the perpetrator or determine a motive. Hyde’s death has sparked discussions about crime and justice in the region, particularly given his controversial past.