ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque father who lost his son to gun violence is hoping to comfort other families experiencing tragedy through his art. “I’m donating these paintings to the city cause I’m grateful for what they have done for me, myself, and my situation,” said Ryan Saavedra, father of Ryan Saavedra Jr.
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Saavedra said he created the series of paintings after experiencing a personal tragedy. His son, Ryan Saavedra Jr., was shot and killed at an Albuquerque park back in 2021 during what police say was a drug deal gone wrong.
After his son’s death, Saavedra was in communication with Albuquerque Police Department Commander Kyle Hartsock about the case, and Terry Huertaz with APD Family Advocacy Center, who he said helped him find closure.
“They’ll call you on the phone like there your friend just to check on you, is everything okay, how are you doing? That means everything for people who are going through this loss,” said Saavedra.
The painting Saavedra is donating to the Albuquerque Family Advocacy Center depicts a butterfly which he said represents family and the change of seasons.
But that’s not the only way he’s using his art to say thank you, presenting other paintings to Huertaz and Commander Hartsock as well as APD Chief Medina and Mayor Tim Keller to show his gratitude for their help during his tough time.
“I think the feeling I would have is closure and like a feeling of closure for my son, he’s proud of me and I’m trying to be proud of him no matter what situation he was in,” said Saavedra.
Five people have been convicted in connection to Saavedra’s son’s murder.
