We are deeply saddened to share the news that Ryan Weaver — a cherished member of the Symfony Community, a tireless educator, and a friend to so many — passed away after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Ryan was more than just a contributor to Symfony: he was a voice, a teacher, and an inspiration who made the framework, and the wider PHP world, more approachable and fun. His passing is an immense loss to our community.

Ryan’s Symfony Journey

Ryan joined the Symfony Core Team over a decade ago and quickly became known for his ability to simplify even the most complex concepts. He authored documentation, contributed features, and advocated tirelessly for a better developer experience.

Many of us first met Ryan through his work at SymfonyCasts (formerly KnpUniversity), where he brought Symfony to life with humor, clarity, and contagious enthusiasm. Through his teaching, he helped countless developers around the world learn Symfony — and fall in love with it.

His Teaching and Impact

Ryan had a gift for making Symfony fun. He believed that coding wasn’t just about syntax and performance, but about joy, creativity, and community. His videos, talks, and blog posts combined deep technical expertise with storytelling and a touch of silliness that made learning unforgettable.

If you’ve ever smiled while debugging because of a funny comment in a tutorial, or if you’ve felt a spark of excitement while building something new in Symfony, there’s a good chance Ryan played a part in that.

Beyond the Code

Ryan wasn’t only a teacher and developer — he was a friend. He made time for people. Whether you were a new developer just getting started or a fellow Core Team member, Ryan treated you with kindness and respect.

He cared deeply about lifting others up, and that spirit of generosity will remain part of the Symfony community forever.

Our Community’s Loss

Ryan’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but his legacy lives on in every Symfony app, every developer who learned from him, and every moment of joy he inspired in our community.

We encourage everyone to share their memories of Ryan — whether it’s a favorite talk, a video that inspired you, or a story of how he helped you personally. Together, we can celebrate the incredible life he lived and the impact he had on us all.

Thank you, Ryan, for everything. We’ll miss your humor, your kindness, and your boundless enthusiasm. Symfony wouldn’t be what it is today without you — and we’re better people for having known you.

💙 Rest in peace, Ryan.

Supporting Ryan’s Family

The best way to support Ryan's family long term is to subscribe — or continue subscribing — to SymfonyCasts.

Celebration of life services for Ryan will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at WildWood Family Farms at 7970 Snow Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302. (Families with children welcome). In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Ryan's memory to his son's educational and custodial funds through GoFundMe. More details are available in Ryan's Obituary.

Published in #Community