Rayden Lynn French
Age 17
McLoud, Oklahoma
Moment of rage; a life lost
He loved fishing, swimming and taking risks on his skateboard. His toothy grin was his trademark. He spent the Fourth of July with family. He was much loved.
But love is complicated. The next day, in a moment of rage, he charged at his mother. His older brother had a gun.
Rayden Lynn French, 17, died of two gunshot wounds to the torso on July 5, 2018, in McLoud, Oklahoma. Prosecutors declined to file charges, saying the shooting was in self-defense. Rayden’s brother held his hand as they waited for the ambulance. “Stay with momma,” his mother begged.
