Kraken Forward Ryan Winterton Loses His Brother to Cancer at Just 25
The Seattle Kraken family is grieving today. Jacob Winterton, the older brother of Kraken forward Ryan Winterton, passed away Tuesday at age 25 after battling cancer. Ryan, 22, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, and the pain in his words is unmistakable.
A Brother, a Best Friend, a Guiding Light
"Today I lost my best friend," Ryan wrote. "You weren't just someone I loved, you were someone I looked up to, someone who guided me, believed in me, and helped shape the person I am today."
That's the kind of loss that hits different. Not just losing a sibling, but losing someone who was there for you at every turn, someone who believed in you when things got tough. For a 22-year-old trying to make his way in the NHL, having that kind of support system matters more than anything.
A Pain That Doesn't Fade
Ryan didn't try to sugarcoat what he's going through right now. "Watching you fight so hard and still having to say goodbye is a pain that never really fades," he continued. "I'll miss your voice, your advice, and the way you made everything feel a little less heavy."
Those aren't words a 22-year-old should have to write about his older brother. But here we are. Jacob fought hard through his cancer battle, and that fight clearly meant everything to Ryan. Now Ryan has to carry on without him, without that voice in his ear, without someone making the weight of the world feel a little lighter.
The Kraken Community Stands with Ryan
This is the kind of moment where a team and a fanbase come together. Ryan Winterton is part of the Kraken organization, and the entire Seattle hockey community will be thinking of him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Our thoughts are with Ryan Winterton and everyone close to him.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.