Rylan Schadegg, an Ogden, Utah native and a renowned HYROX Elite athlete, hybrid fitness competitor, and former professional mountain bike racer, has tragically passed away at an untimely age, leaving his family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
According to his family, Rylan Schadegg passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in the evening while pursuing one of his greatest passions: running in the mountains.
Known for his boundless energy and fearless approach to challenges, Rylan lived by the motto “Live wild, die free,” a phrase he embodied both on and off the race course.
The untimely death of Rylan Schadegg has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late HYROX athlete and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
One wrote:
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Rylan Schadegg last weekend. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this devastating time of sadness.I met Rylan just briefly, in this photo, with my friend and race partner, Nicole, at a DEKA FIT last year. Rylan was kind and good humored as he posed for this photo with us.”
Immie Cross
Another added:
“A man who stood tall amongst the rest. His superb athleticism and incredible faith made us all admire him greatly. He left this earthly journey doing what he loved to do, running through the mountains. The Lord has opened the field for you young man.What an honor to have known you. Rylan Schadegg.”
Michele Littlejon-Luccketta
Late Rylan Schadegg Made an Indelible Mark on The Hybrid Fitness and Obstacle Course Racing World
Rylan Schadegg touched the lives of many with his remarkable journey in the hybrid fitness and obstacle course racing world.
He was a four-time DEKA World Champion, a 2022 North American Champion, and the 2022 DEKA Fit World Champion.
Similarly, his HYROX record was equally impressive, including 15 races across six divisions and five partner events.
Some of his personal bests include 56:50 in HYROX PRO MEN, 55:17 in HYROX ELITE MEN, and 49:51 in HYROX PRO DOUBLES MEN. His outstanding performances earned him top rankings worldwide, including #14 in PRO DOUBLES ELITE MEN.
Likewise, Rylan’s competitive achievements extended to a series of international competitions. On October 28, he won the HROX race in Valencia, Spain, with a time of 58:11.
Just days later, he competed in the Spartan Trifecta World Championship in Sparta, Greece, finishing as either the winner or runner-up in three grueling races over three consecutive days.
He also secured second place at HYROX Chicago, achieving the third-fastest time in history with 55:46 and clinching a spot in the HYROX World Championships the following year.
Rylan’s journey to elite hybrid competitions began with a multi-sport background, including soccer and mountain biking.
After narrowly missing the chance to join the national cross-country mountain biking team, he shifted his focus to hybrid training, inspired by the fitness demands of firefighting.
As a firefighter, he honed his skills in heavy lifting and aerobic endurance, which translated seamlessly to obstacle course racing.
Despite setbacks with illness and injuries, including a serious foot injury in 2023 that limited his running for several months, Rylan remained a disciplined and innovative athlete, developing training methods that emphasized high-intensity work over high-volume running.
In addition to his athletic journey, he coached hybrid athletes, trail runners, and mountain bikers, helping them excel in heavy carries, technical terrain, and endurance racing.
His coaching and mentorship reflected his belief in pushing physical limits while fostering humility, kindness, and compassion.
He was a son, brother, friend, and mentor whose life, although short, was filled with meaning, faith, and love.
Rylan Schadegg’s life may have ended too soon, but his impact on the hybrid fitness world and the lives he touched will endure. He embodied the spirit of living boldly, training relentlessly, and cherishing every moment.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Rylan was a man of deep faith. His relationship with Jesus profoundly shaped his life, influencing his interactions, his encouragement of others, and his dedication to mentoring aspiring athletes.
- Rylan was open about his personal struggles, including a battle with an eating disorder in his early 20s and his advocacy for clean sport. He spoke publicly about the importance of clear rules and drug testing in hybrid competitions, emphasizing fairness and integrity in the sport he loved.
