Fort Ann community mourns teen killed in shooting

Grief counseling was available in the Fort Ann School District on Monday for anyone in the community struggling with the loss of Rycky Stark.

He was killed last Wednesday night inside an apartment at 3 Charles Street.

Rycky was a student getting ready to start another school year at Fort Ann. He celebrated his 14th birthday just three days before the shooting.

Four kids between the ages of 13 and 17 were there playing with a shotgun, when Rycky was shot in the stomach, investigators said.

According to Rycky’s obituary – which will appear in Tuesday’s Post-Star – the teen’s world revolved around basketball, and his all-time favorite player was Michael Jordan. He also liked playing Xbox, riding his bike and spending time with his pug.

Calling hours are Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home in Fort Ann, followed by a gathering and candlelight vigil at the Fort Ann Firehouse.

Police and prosecutors don’t believe the fatal shooting was intentional, they said, but a 17-year-old suspect has been charged with manslaughter.

The Washington County District Attorney has not yet decided whether to pursue charges as an adult or adolescent.