GLENDALE, AZ AZFamily — Over four years after Ryan Stewart was tragically killed by a drunk driver while changing a tire on the Loop 101, his friends and family are working to honor his memory.
The driver responsible was sentenced to 18 months in prison for negligent homicide in 2023.
DUI is something that can be completely avoided, said Ryan’s friend, Ravi Tomerlin. He and Ryan bonded over their shared passion for cars and racing.
After the court case ended last October, Ryan’s Subaru, one of his most cherished belongings, was released from evidence. His loved ones decided to restore the car instead of using its parts elsewhere.
We all felt it was better to bring it back to life in a positive way, Tomerlin explained.
With help and careful inspection, the group realized restoring the car to its original condition was possible.
If it was anyone else, Ryan would be here doing the same thing, said Tomerlin.
Ryan’s Subaru WRX STI S209 is one of only 209 in the world. The restoration has begun, and Tomerlin hopes that by next year, the car will be back on the racetrack.
The restoration is expected to cost around $20,000, and the group has launched a GoFundMe for anyone who would like to help.