For nearly 25 years, Colorado nonprofit First Descents has taken cancer survivors on free weeklong trips into the wilderness. The internal struggle of feeling powerless against a potentially fatal illness can last far longer than physical symptoms, and First Descents aims to help these survivors regain confidence in both mind and body.
So it was with “profound heartbreak” that the organization announced the sudden death of its longtime CEO, Ryan O’Donoghue, this week. For 14 years, O’Donoghue served as an effective leader of the nonprofit, helping it grow and providing more than 13,000 participants with outdoor experiences.
But O’Donoghue also had his own struggles. After battling a “long and serious mental health illness,” he took his own life on May 9, First Descents said in a public statement.
He was 46.
“This loss has touched us all, as it’s a heartbreaking reminder that none of us are immune to emotional pain, no matter our role, success or dedication to helping others,” the organization said. “If you are struggling, please know you are not alone.”
Ryan O’Donoghue: Early Life
Though he had lived in Colorado for many years, O’Donoghue grew up in Ohio. He was born in Bay Village in 1978, where he excelled in both football and wrestling, according to his obituary.
He was a good student, receiving awards throughout high school before attending and graduating with a finance degree from Georgetown University — with honors. But O’Donoghue also excelled in sports. He was captain of his university’s football team, eventually earning recognition as an Academic All-American in 2000 and 2001.
In his early career, he worked in Accenture’s Strategy Practice, managing Fortune 500 clients across several industries. Then “the mountains were calling,” according to his obituary, and O’Donoghue moved to Colorado. That’s where he became an avid hiker and mountain biker, as well as an expert skier.
He also faced personal tragedy with cancer long before joining First Descents.
In 2005, his twin brother, Colin, died from cancer at age 28 — an event that changed O’Donoghue’s life. From that point on, he dedicated himself to cancer advocacy for young adults.
A New Career in Service
O’Donoghue’s new mission first led him to found a nonprofit called Rise Above It. Committed to advancing the field of adolescent and young adult oncology — and dedicated to Colin’s memory — the organization lasted for 12 years, according to O’Donoghue’s LinkedIn. While still running Rise Above It, he took on a job with the LIVESTRONG Foundation. For about 2 years, he managed the nonprofit’s major gifts, grants, and corporate partners.
His work with both of those organizations led him to First Descents, which he joined as executive director in 2013. It wasn’t long until his work received recognition. The Denver Business Journal named him in the 2018 class of 40 under 40 honorees, and publications including ColoradoBiz and CNN also praised First Descents during his tenure leading the nonprofit.
In 2023, Outside Magazine put First Descents on its “50 Best Places to Work” list in 2023. Responding to the honor, O’Donoghue said that “listening to our community” helped the nonprofit understand how to help cancer survivors and care for its employees.
“The courage, vulnerability and resilience of our participants motivates us to lean in with purpose and passion, and reminds us that ‘Out Living It’ is more than a tagline — it’s a way of life,” O’Donoghue said.
O’Donoghue leaves behind his wife Tara, daughter Marley Joy, his parents, and many other family members.
“The word is out but I’m at a loss for words,” his wife Tara O’Donoghue wrote Thursday in a social media post. “It’s all so surreal but the heaviness of my heart grounds me in reality. Mental health is a tricky puzzle and we are trying to put together the shattered pieces. I will keep Ryan’s memory alive and share more in time. For now, be at peace my love.”
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