Washburn Hall of Fame basketball player Ryan Murphy tragically passed away on Wednesday.
Ryan Murphy was a member of Washburn’s basketball team from 1999 to 2003. He finished his career third in all-time points with 1,654 and fourth in all-time rebounds with 738.
He was a first-team all-MIAA pick in 2003 as a senior after receiving second-team all-MIAA honors in 2002 as a junior and 2001 as a sophomore.
Muprhy was also an honorable mention all-MIAA pick in 2000 as a freshman.
He was part of three NCAA Tournament teams, including a national runner-up finish in 2001.
Murphy is the Washburn Ichabod record holder with 132 career NCAA tournament points as well as 154 MIAA Tournament points.
He was also one of 11 Ichabods with 1,000 points and 500 rebounds and was named the Ichabod team MVP as a senior.
Ryan connected on 108 of 281 3-pointers and was an 80% free-throw shooter, hitting 338-of-419 attempts. He averaged six rebounds a game for his career and ranked in the top 10 in 13 career categories at Washburn.
Basketball Hall Of Famer Ryan Murphy Died At The Age Of 45
As per the Washburn Athletics, Douglas Ryan Muprhy took his last breath on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the age of 45. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Washburn Athletics mourned the loss of Ryan by stating,
“Washburn athletics and the Ichabod family are sad to hear of Ryan Murphy’s passing. Murph was one of the all-time greats to put on an Ichabod uniform and for as good as the WU Hall of Famer was on the court he was an even better person off the court. He never met a stranger, had a smile and a laugh that would light up a room. Our condolences to his family and his wife Lisa and their daughter Anna.”
Washburn Athletics
C Tyrel Hummel posted a tribute video of Ryan playing basketball in 1998, along with Travis Bacon, Curt Tucker, and Tug. He wrote,
One of many 3 on 3 basketball Championships with the big fella…. Truly one of a kind friend to those who knew him. An exceptional human. God speed Murph…we’ll all miss you!
C Tyrel Hummel
Troy Douglas, a client strategy manager at Enterprise, took to his official Facebook handle and offered his heartfelt condolences by stating,
Today is indeed a very sad day in the Ichabod brotherhood. A lot of people know Douglas Ryan Murphy as a happy, friendly, outgoing guy but he was all that and more. Moving here from a whole other country, Ryan took me under his wings and brought me into his family. He would take me back to Benton over Thanksgiving when I had nowhere to go. His mom would welcome myself and all the other island boys with open arms like we were her own. It seems like she would put a whole cow on the grill as we were well fed. I can’t say enough about the man he’s become and I’m so glad I got to talk to him some about the Bible and the impact it had on my faith. Rest in peace my guy. Sincerely T-Garçon!
Troy Douglas
Jennifer Eagleson, Ryan’s long-time friend, also offered her heartfelt condolences. She wrote,
Sadly again today on vacation I learned of the passing of a friend, today a classmate Ryan Murphy “Murphy” “Murph.” A cherished classmate and friend whose unwavering kindness and compassion touched the hearts of everyone he met. Though we lost touch over the years, his remarkable spirit and generosity of heart remain a source of inspiration. He was a true friend to all, kind, always willing to help, humble, athletic, and smiling. I pray for his family and friends, may they find strength in the knowledge that Ryan’s legacy of love and kindness will endure. Circle High School class of 1999, we lost a good one. Thank you for the memories Douglas Ryan Murphy.💔
Jennifer Eagleson
Other friends and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Ryan’s family to stay strong in this challenging time.
Ryan will always be remembered for his contributions as a basketball player at Washburn and for his role as an Ichabod.
His family will soon reveal the funeral service schedule. Rest in Heaven, Ryan Murphy.
Douglas Ryan Murphy Is Survived By His Wife And One Daughter
Douglas Ryan Murphy has been private about his married life. However, he had posted pictures of his wife on his official Facebook handle.
Although Ryan’s wife has stayed away from social media, she always supported him in balancing his personal and professional life.
Ryan and his wife were blessed with one daughter, who has also stayed away from the media spotlight.
Currently, Ryan’s wife is mourning the loss of her husband. Friends and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Ryan’s wife.
Ryan is also survived by his cousin, Holly Haman-Marcum, who lives in Burlington, Colorado, United States.
Holly attended Colorado State University and later studied at Columbia University. She has been serving as an executive at Isagenix since July 2016.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Douglas Ryan Murphy was inducted into the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
- Murphy lived in Skaneateles, New York, and went to Circle High School. He graduated from Washburn University.
- Douglas Ryan Murphy’s mother, Ruth Haman Murphy, lives in Benton, Kansas.
