Document text
Fund established for slain Callahan's employee A photo of Ryan P. Bagley as it appears on the GoFundMe page asking for donations to benefit his family. The Callahan's cook was slain Saturday by a gunman the shooter's family said likely had an undiagnosed mental illness. Wednesday Oct 4, 2017 at 10:51 AM Oct 4, 2017 at 10:51 AM By Julie Akins for the Mail Tribune “Heartbreaking” is a one-word comment accompanying a contribution on the Ryan P. Bagley Memorial Life Fund established by Callahan’s Mountain Lodge owner Donna Bergquist in honor of the lodge cook murdered Saturday. Investigators believe Bagley was shot in the kitchen of the lodge by Neal Brian Norman of Pacific Grove, California, who stole Bagley's vehicle, parked it on I-5 and shot at a motorist until he was run over. Norman’s family describe him as a man dealing with serious mental health issues. Why he killed Bagley and stole his car remains a mystery. Bagley, 40, did not know Norman, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. For Bergquist and the others who work at Callahan’s, the loss has been terrible. Tim Pascal, a lodge employee, is fielding calls from media and others. “We really can’t even talk about it,” he said. Pascal says the crew wanted to do something. “We established the fund to help the family who is trying to figure out what to do. But they don’t want us to talk to media or really anyone yet, so we’re honoring their wishes.” The GoFundMe page asks the community and those who knew Bagley to assist his family and two children. “He leaves a loving family, two children and countless friends and colleagues who loved him.” As of Tuesday evening, 36 different people have contributed $1,900 toward a goal of $10,000. All proceeds go to Bagley’s family to help with expenses of taking care of his children and final arrangements. Shannon and Kevin Tully, two of the first contributors, praised Bagley’s work at Callahan’s. “Thank you for all of your contributions to our amazing memories at Callahan’s. Your family will be in our prayers for peace and understanding in all of this massive tragedy. May you rest in His arms eternally.” Pascal says the Bagley family is making its way to Callahan’s from California, trying to make arrangements and sort out the last wishes of a man who never expected to die so suddenly. Most all of the money raised is likely to go to funeral expenses, although Pascal indicated the family had not made any decisions yet. The lodge is back open and serving guests. The Ryan P. Bagley Memorial Life Fund on the GoFundMe website is at www.gofundme.com/ryan-p-bagley-memorial-life-fund. — Email Ashland freelance writer Julie Akins at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/@julieakins.