UpdatedFri, Jul 2, 2021 at 7:25 am ET
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Raistlin Ruther on the water he loved so much. (Courtesy Laura Schwarz Gandara)
RIVERHEAD, NY Friday marks six months since Raistlin Ruther, 18, died while kayaking in the Great Peconic Bay and for those who love him, the months feel like minutes, the reality that he is never going to return with his bright smile and caring heart seemingly impossible to fathom.
Raistlin went kayaking on January 2, launching in South Jamesport into the Great Peconic Bay; Riverhead Police said a report came in that afternoon that he was overdue, and the search began. Several hours later, Raistlin s capsized kayak, The Bay Dream, was located off the shore of Meschutt County Beach in Hampton Bays; his body was found soon after.
Raistlin Raven Ruther
Raistlin was born Aug. 15, 2002, in Southampton, N.Y., to Laura Schwarz and Brock Ruther.
He attended Riverhead High School and graduated in 2020. He enjoyed being a member of ROTC and attended BOCES for carpentry.
Raistlin loved being on the waters of the Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound with his kayak, named The Bay Dream. He enjoyed boxing, nutrition, hiking in the woods and along the beaches, sharing photos and videos of our beautiful area and being with family. Gentle and loving, he was very motivational and kind to others, and was a beloved joy to his many family and friends who loved him.