Scott Ratigan’s family still seeks answers five years after his tragic death
Scott was just 24 when he died on January 17, 2020. His dad, John, says the pain is still fresh, especially on anniversaries. He remembers Scott as a joyful guy who loved life and his family.
On that fateful day, Scott’s sister left to pick up friends from the airport. When she returned, she found Scott in his bedroom with serious injuries. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene, and an autopsy confirmed it was a homicide.
The family is left with so many questions. John shared that they can’t figure out why this happened. The police have looked into Scott’s past but found nothing that could explain the tragedy.
John was away on a business trip when he got the heartbreaking call from his daughter. He was in shock, and the news felt surreal. The detectives on the case were former coaches of Scott, which made it even harder for the family.
Grief has changed their lives, especially during holidays and special occasions. John mentioned how tough it is to attend weddings of Scott’s friends. They want to support them but often feel overwhelmed by sadness.
Despite the pain, John has learned to carry it. He compares it to wearing a heavy backpack. It’s always there, but he’s getting better at handling it. His advice to parents is to cherish every moment with their kids because life is too short.
John hopes new leads will come in soon. The Arlington County police have been diligent, and he wishes for resolution for everyone affected by Scott’s death. They even released a video of a person of interest in 2021, hoping someone might recognize them.
John believes someone knows something and urges them to come forward. In the meantime, the family keeps Scott’s memory alive by sharing stories and laughter about him. They want closure and understanding of why this happened.
The family remains hopeful for answers and justice for Scott. They’ll keep moving forward, but he will always be a part of them. John’s emotional plea to the person responsible is simple: “Please tell us why.” Anyone with information can contact Arlington County Police at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
