Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

CHEYENNE - Upon learning that Rylee McCollum, a 2019 graduate of Jackson Hole High School, was one of the U.S. Marines killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow released the following statement:

“Saying that I am grateful for Rylee’s service to our country does not begin to encapsulate the grief and sadness I feel today as a mother and as an American. My heart and prayers are with Rylee’s family, friends, and the entire Jackson community.

“We will find many ways to honor Rylee for this ultimate and untimely sacrifice in the coming months and years - but for now, my arms are wrapped around Rylee’s loved ones from afar and I pray they find some comfort.”

Governor Mark Gordon

I’m devastated to learn Wyoming lost one of our own in yesterday's terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of U.S. Marine Rylee McCollum of Bondurant. Jennie and I, along with all of Wyoming and the entire nation, thank Rylee for his service.