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Mira Costa HS Track & Field Athlete, Ryan James Died At The Age Of 18, Leaving Behind His Family!

By Ava Barnes

Mira Costa HS Track & Field Athlete, Ryan James Died At The Age Of 18, Leaving Behind His Family!

During his time at Mira Costa High School, Ryan maintained a 4.0 GPA while excelling in AP and honors courses across economics, computer science, and physics.

October 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on October 18, 2026

Ryan James, a varsity cross country and track athlete, has tragically passed away.

As per his handle, Ryan was a Business Economics student at UCLA with a strong foundation in mathematics, economics, and analytics.

At The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Ryan served as a Research Intern, analyzing cardiovascular scans and using data analytics to identify correlations between anomalies and potential treatments.

Beyond academics, Ryan dedicated over a decade to service through the Friendship Foundation, where he has been a counselor, teen advisory board member, and outreach leader.

He also served as a mentor and referee with Special Olympics.

During his time at Mira Costa High School, Ryan maintained a 4.0 GPA while excelling in AP and honors courses across economics, computer science, and physics.

As a Model United Nations delegate and team leader, he participated in national conferences and earned numerous awards for research, diplomacy, and leadership.

He was also a varsity cross-country and track athlete.

Track And Field Athlete Ryan James Passed Away, Leaving Everyone Devastated

As per the reports, Ryan James, a former varsity track and field athlete at Mira Costa High School, passed away at the age of 18.

He was pronounced in a dorm room in the 200 block of De Neve Dr at 4:23 a.m. on October 14, 2026.

His cause of death is listed as “deferred.”

James is the second UCLA student to die on campus in the last week.

On October 5, 2026, UCLA campus police were alerted to the 500 block of Westwood Plaza to reports of a man found hanging in the structure.

He was initially reported missing on October 4. The man was identified as 21-year-old Nicholas Chew.

Mira Costa Cross Country took to their official handle to announce the tragic news. They wrote,


It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ryan James, an alumnus who graduated only last year. Ryan was more than just a runner on the team. He was a friend, a leader, and the embodiment of what Costa XC stands for. His relentless drive and passion showed both at and beyond practice. Whether it was pushing himself a little harder during a track workout or dedicating countless hours to the Friendship Foundation, every day Ryan raised the bar for himself. His biggest fear was complacency. Last year, after his lung collapsed, instead of throwing in the towel, the first question he asked his doctor was: “When can I run again?” That was the determination he brought to everything he did. We are still convinced he had the wisdom of someone far beyond his years. We are all so proud to be able to say we knew him for so long. His spirit still motivates this team with the things he taught us. It is due to Ryan’s overwhelming amount of grit, of kindness, and brotherhood, we now run for Ryan. We send our deepest love to the James family and to all those lucky enough to have known him. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang. 💛💚

Richard Zheng took to the comment section and offered his heartfelt condolences. He wrote,

I’m devastated. Love you Ryan. Thank you for all the memories back in school. ❤️

Nina Trieu Tarnay also mourned the loss of Ryan. She wrote,

Such an immense loss for our community. Love, prayers and my deepest condolences to the Hesterberg-James family and to all of Ryan’s loved ones. 🙏

Kristen DeGrandis McCann sent heartfelt condolences to Ryan’s family. He commented,

Sending my most heartfelt love to the James family.

Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Ryan’s family to stay stronger in this difficult time.

He will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a track and field athlete.

His funeral service schedule will soon be made available by his family. Rest in Heaven, Ryan James.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Ryan James was set to graduate from UCLA in 2029. He has been pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree since 2026.
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Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

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