The Ames, Iowa community is coming to terms with a loss that no community should ever have to face. Ronin Eli Turnbull, a ninth-grade student at Ames High School and a member of both the school wrestling team and Alliance Ames Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026. He was just 14 years old.
The news spread quickly through Ames, leaving classmates, coaches, training partners, and neighbors searching for words that rarely feel adequate in moments like this.
A celebration of Ronin’s life will be held on Friday, June 12th at The Parlor Event Center, located behind Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care at 119 Washington Ave, from 4 to 6 pm. For a boy who touched so many lives in such a short time, the gathering is expected to draw a community that is still very much in shock.
A Young Athlete Full of Promise
Ronin was the kind of kid who showed up and put in the work. On the wrestling mat at Ames High School, coaches saw a young man who was still growing into his potential but never once cut corners getting there. He brought energy, determination, and a willingness to be coached, qualities that earned him the respect of teammates and staff alike.
Beyond the high school program, Ronin was also a member of Alliance Ames Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, where he had built real relationships with the people he trained alongside. Vladimir Williams Sr., the owner of Alliance Ames Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, shared a tribute that captured what so many were feeling.
“Our Alliance Ames Brazilian Jiu Jitsu family hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and training partner,” Williams wrote. “Ronin Turnbull was incredibly talented, generous, compassionate, with a big heart that touched many lives and a gentle energy that everyone enjoyed. We send prayers of comfort to his family, friends, and classmates during this difficult time.”
The Ames High Wrestling program also shared a message that spoke to the particular bond that forms between teammates who push each other through the grind of a season.
“Today our wrestling family is hurting as we mourn the loss of one of our own,” the program wrote. “Wrestling builds bonds that go far beyond the mat, and the impact Ronin made on our team, our community, and our lives will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing Ronin. Rest easy Ronin, you will always be part of our wrestling family.”
The Boy Behind the AthleteWhat comes through most clearly in the tributes pouring in is not just who Ronin was on the mat, but who he was in the hallways, in the classroom, and in the everyday moments that most people do not think to remember until they are gone.
Mariyah Harris, a fellow student, wrote something that stopped a lot of people in their tracks. “Talked to Ronin about 4 days ago now I’ll never see this kind boy again,” she said.
Dawn Schmidt, whose son shared classes with Ronin, passed along what her child told her. “He tells me he is a very kind, funny and nice person,” Schmidt wrote. “I am sorry for everyone that knew him. My prayers for sure.”
Breanna Vargas kept it simple, and sometimes simple says it best. “Ronin was such a fun person to be around,” she wrote.
Allison Sorensen reached back further in her memories. “I will always remember Ronin when he was at ACPC,” she said, adding her hugs and prayers to the family.
A Community Wrapping Around Each Other
The tributes have come from every corner of the community. People who knew him well, people who knew him only through their children, and people who simply felt the weight of a 14-year-old life cut short.
Julie-Michelle Manohar put into words what many were feeling. “Sending love and positivity to Ronin and his family,” she wrote. “This is devastating to hear.”
Mike Rial did not mince words about the broader reality. “I am so sorry for the loss of anyone’s child, classmate, teammate and friend,” he wrote. “This should not be happening. Prayers for all who were close to Ronin.”
Cindy Oppedal Paschen directed her words toward the students still processing the loss. “How awful,” she wrote. “Be there for one another, Little Cyclones.”
Susie Metzger-Hall offered something that felt true. “Huge loss and very painful for us all. Peace be with all.”
Tammy Banks Juncker, like so many others, found the only thing left to offer. “So sorry for your loss. Comforting prayer sent for family and friends in this time of great hurt and sorrow.”
Ronin Eli Turnbull was 14 years old. He was a wrestler, a training partner, a classmate, a son, a brother, and by every account, a genuinely good kid. The community of Ames is hurting right now, and they are hurting together. That, at least, is something Ronin seemed to inspire in people even while he was here.
Rest easy, Ronin.