Hayes Hamaker Accident, Death, Obituary: 6-Year-Old Remembered After Tragic Ranch Accident

The Laramie, Wyoming, community and the wider rodeo and ranching world are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Hayes Ryan “Hazer” Hamaker, a 6-year-old boy who died on August 13, 2026, following a tragic accident on his family ranch.

Hayes’ death was confirmed in an obituary published by Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. The obituary states that he died on the family ranch at the age of six. Community tributes have described his death as the result of a tragic ranch accident.

Remembering Hayes Ryan Hamaker

Hayes was born in Laramie, Wyoming, on August 2, 2020, to his parents, Ty and Alison Hamaker.

Known affectionately as “Hazer,” Hayes was remembered for his enormous personality, infectious smile, and remarkable ability to connect with people. His family’s obituary describes a child whose joy and warmth seemed far beyond his six years.

He attended Open School in Laramie during his final year, where his curiosity and enthusiasm for learning continued to grow.

For everyone who knew him, Hayes was much more than a young member of a ranching family. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend, and member of the rodeo community.

A Young Cowboy at Heart

Hayes grew up surrounded by ranching, horses, rodeo, and family.

He loved riding his bike, snow machines, four-wheelers, and Rangers, and he especially enjoyed riding in his grandfather’s equipment. One of his favorite experiences was accompanying his father in a semi while hauling animals to rodeos.

His family also remembered his love of travel, including trips to Michigan to visit relatives, where he enjoyed swimming, boating, and playing with his cousins.

At home, Hayes wanted to help with work around the ranch and spend time with his sister, cousins, and friends. He also enjoyed movie nights with his mother, attending church with his grandmother, listening to music, eating spaghetti, and spending time with his dogs and horses.

Above all, the obituary says, Hayes loved rodeo and the many friendships he made along the trail.

Hayes Hamaker Accident and Death

Hayes died on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at his family’s ranch.

The published obituary confirms the location and date of his death but does not provide the specific circumstances of the accident. Community and rodeo-related tributes have referred to his passing as a tragic ranch accident.

Because the family has not publicly detailed the exact circumstances in the obituary, speculation about the equipment, animals, or events involved should be avoided.

The loss of a six-year-old child has nevertheless devastated Hayes’ family and the communities that knew him.

Hayes Hamaker’s Family

Hayes is survived by his parents, Ty and Alison Hamaker, and his sister, Mesa.

His surviving family also includes grandparents JD and Candy Hamaker; great-grandfather Larry Romsa; uncles Blaze Hamaker and Colt Hamaker and their spouses; grandparents John and Denise Petchauer; aunt Kelsey Brouwer and her husband Zach; and numerous cousins, extended relatives, friends, and members of the Laramie and rodeo communities.

His family has described the outpouring of love and support following his death as overwhelming and deeply meaningful.

A Life That Touched Many

Although Hayes lived only six years, his obituary emphasizes the extraordinary impact he had on the people around him.

He was remembered as a child who made friends easily, sought connections with others, and brought energy and happiness wherever he went. His family said the influence he made during his short life will be felt for years to come.

Within the ranching and rodeo community, Hayes was already becoming known as a young cowboy who loved being around his family and the rodeo trail.

His legacy will live through the people who loved him, the stories they share, and the memories of a little boy whose personality made a lasting impression.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for Hayes Ryan Hamaker was scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the University of Wyoming Cliff & Martha Hansen Teaching Arena in Laramie.

The family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Hayes’ memory to Children’s Hospital Colorado or Open School in Laramie, Wyoming.

The gathering provides family, friends, classmates, members of the ranching community, and the wider rodeo family an opportunity to come together and honor Hayes’ life.

A Community Mourns

The death of Hayes Hamaker has brought profound grief to Laramie and to the many people connected to his family through ranching and rodeo.

Six years may seem like a short lifetime, but Hayes filled those years with family, friendship, adventure, learning, animals, music, travel, and rodeo.

His family and friends will carry those memories forward as they mourn a little boy remembered for his smile, his enormous spirit, and his loving heart.

May Hayes Ryan “Hazer” Hamaker’s memory remain a source of strength and comfort to his parents, sister, grandparents, extended family, friends, and everyone who knew him.

Information here is for general information purposes only. The death and funeral arrangements are supported by the published obituary from Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. The specific circumstances of the ranch accident have not been publicly detailed in that obituary and should not be stated as fact beyond what the family or authorities have confirmed.