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Teen killed in Halloween hit-and-run remembered as strong role model

Posted at 6:57 PM, Oct 31, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-31 19:37:31-04

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Halloween marks one year since the hit and run death of a young Central Michigan University student, leaving family and friends still looking for answers.

17-year-old Ryan Tsatsos was killed on Crawford Road near the university, just three weeks after his oldest brother was taken in a car crash. Ryan's father Paul recalls that night he was filled with an uncomfortable shock.

"When the police showed up at the door I was in complete disbelief," said Tsatsos. "It was like, 'Okay, he got an M.I.P. and got arrested.' And it didn’t click that the police wouldn't come to my house for an M.I.P."

Ryan was struck by a vehicle while walking home from a party with a group of friends. Witnesses say he saved a girl's life by pushing her out of the way and taking the hit himself.

Ryan's roommate and best friend, Jeffery Daian, remembers him as a strong role-model, someone who's missed everyday.

"It's hard to have the motivation to do things now," said Daian. "One, it's still unsolved and two, you lose your best friend."

As friends and family try to move forward, Michigan State Police will continue their investigation. Lt. Gary Green says the best evidence from the scene of the crime was paint from the car found on the the teen's clothing.

Police believe the paint was from a custom paint job, which now makes tracking down the suspect difficult.  Lt. Green and family members are urging anyone with information to come forward, raising the cash reward from $5,000 to $10,000. If you have any tips you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL.