Erin Michelle Ray
On Thursday, December 10, 2020 Erin Michelle Ray, 39, of Las Vegas was killed while riding the 130 mile Nipton Loop with a group of talented and experienced cyclists. A truck struck the back of the group killing Erin, four of her friends and injuring three others.
Erin was born on July, 31, 1981 in Wichita, Kansas. She grew up in Kansas, Florida and Holladay, Utah. She graduated from Olympus High School where she was an excellent student and played soccer and basketball with enthusiasm and intensity.
After graduation, she moved to Las Vegas working hard to obtain her Realtor license. She loved finding the perfect home for her clients. Continuing her athletic endeavors, she began a short but successful time as a barrel racer. She developed a passion for physical fitness competing nationally in body building. A competition at her local gym started her on her journey toward achieving the status of Pro Triathlete where she had begun competing internationally. She worked hard at swimming, running and cycling but her favorite was cycling competitively. She particularly loved her recent experience racing the 204 mile LoToJa bike race in September. Her fierceness, focus and determination drove her. At the same time, she was a champion for anyone who wanted to ride, bike or swim and loved helping anyone new to the sport. She was always excited to report being able to keep up with the boys in spite of her diminutive size.
Erin was passionate about life. She loved her family, her friends and her sports with a passion that was unparalleled.
Erin is survived by her parents, Ellen and Edward Leis of Colorado, brothers Evan (Amy) Leis of Sandy, Utah and Eric Leis of London, UK, her father, Robin Ray and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, all who loved her dearly. Her passing leaves us shocked, lost and devastated.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have shown their love and support.
We plead for every driver to pay attention to the others on the road. Inattentive driving is inexcusable and the damage often irreversible.
Private funeral services will be planned for a later date.
33 Comments. Leave new
Sending my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to her family and friends. She was a beautiful young lady inside and out and I truly appreciated the help that she provided to me as a new triathlete. She will be with me in spirit to the finish line at Ironman CA 140.6. Her name will NEVER be forgotten.
She was such a beautiful person.Took us to a few houses when we were looking for one. She will be missed.
Dear Ed and Ellen,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter Erin. I remember hearing about her during my early days at the OME. She wasn’t too much older than my daughter; our kids are similar in age. Frequently, largely due to work, we hear of the loss of life due to a driver’s carelessness. Still you don’t think of the possibility of someone you know being tragically affected by it. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Erin, rest in peace, everyone was touched by your awesome drive and goal oriented life you led, you will be so missed by so many, you left everyone better than you found them.
I send my most heartfelt condolences to the wonderful family and friends of Erin. I wanted to share of the impact that she had on so many, who like myself weren’t her close friends, but who knew her from the gym, or work, and occasionally had a conversation.
I knew Erin for many years from LVAC, and also have been in real estate for nearly 30 years, and had worked at her real estate company.
I was so impressed when she was training for competitions, to see of all of the work and dedication she gave in developing a truly sculpted physique. Then, when she moved on to running, cycling, and triathlons, Erin developed amazing speed and endurance.
Erin not only realized an exceptionally high level of achievement with winning or placing in triathlons, but also with achieving top level success with her real estate business. Erin’s commitment, dedication, positive energy, combined with her great abilities to interact with people, are what places her at the very top of the podium in athletics, business, and life.
Ever since I heard of the terrible and unbelievably tragic accident, I have been in shock, and cannot imagine all that her family and close friends are going through.
Yet, the very reason for writing this, is that I really didn’t know Erin that well, but I wanted to share that her life had such a positive impact upon so many that she might not even think of. People just like me….who saw this woman in incredible shape, with such a sharp mental focus, and who was absolutely dynamite. Truly, this young woman was beyond impressive, and a great inspiration to all.
May God bless Erin, her family, and her friends.
Randy Lazer
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of such a kind, thoughtful soul! I’m so sad to hear this horrible news ! She will be missed by all.
This was a good friend and my realtor that represented me for many years.
She would eat in our restaurants two times a day. Just spoke to you for two hours straight December 2nd 2020. What an iron woman. You are beautiful Erin. I love you and will miss you.
RIP Erin Michelle Ray.
So deeply sorry for your loss. I only met Erin once when looking at homes but since that day I knew she was a special person with a big heart. She will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of crossing her path.
I’ve known Erin for years. I’ve enjoyed her smile. Erin enjoyed life. And always was there to help give me advice when I asked. Erin will be missed. We enjoyed hanging out at the lake and rock climbing at the gym.
Ellen, Ed, Eric and Evan I can’t imagine your pain, Erin was such a sweet determined, and hard working person, I know the strength of your family will help you through this time, you are all loved.
Dear Ed and Ellen
Wow!!! I’m in disbelief of sadness right now… Erin was such a beautiful person inside and out. I remember sharing Spa time at Lifetime, how we use to talk about sports and the under paid of professionalism. I was so impressed with her body of work as a professional athlete. If you didn’t have a boy hood crush on Erin Michelle Ray than your life wasn’t passionate enough to be in her world. I will sadly miss our friendship… And her competitiveness nature. May my thoughts and prayers be with you and your love ones during this transitioning to the Son, our heavenly Father, God O’Mighty. 🙏
Until we meet again…
Love always,
Roferrel Simpson
Dear Ed and family,
My sincerest sympathy to you as you mourn the loss of your daughter. I learned of Erin’s death from Ruth and have since read more and also have seen some TV coverage of that tragic accident. Remembering all of you in prayer during this very difficult time.
I can’t believe this horror. She was an inspiration, a beautiful person. I’m so sorry and in shock that this happened.
Sorry the world lost an angel! You and tour family are in my prayers! I have faith she is watching over all of us with the rest of the angels in heaven!
Family and friends, I can’t believe this happened! I am in FL and still reeling from shock. Erin was a fierce competitor and had a strong sense of accomplishment. She has left a legacy for all athletes to follow, no matter what level of competition. My prayers are with you all during this tough time. God bless.
Sending my deepest condolences for your immense loss, Erin was such a beautiful soul. We worked together years ago at Gilley’s and she was so kind. We remained in touch all these years and I am shocked and deeply saddened by her tragic death. Sending all my love and prayers…
Erin was an angel among all of us. She seems like she never met anyone who was a stranger. I met her at a rock climbing event years ago and she became an immediate friend, inviting me and my wife to go climbing with her and some friends later.
She had a lot of passion for her adventures and her friends. Even though I haven’t seen her in many years I feel her loss and grieve with all of you.
Rest In Peace Erin! We will see you someday!
First and foremost I want to sent my heart felt condolences to the family of my dear friend Erin Michelle Ray.
The lost of my wonderful friend Erin Ray has been shocking, devastating beyond words. I miss her smile, her encouragement to get better and faster at cycling. I could always count on her to push me and give me advise on things to try to get better.
We all miss you and love you, Rest In Peace Erin the QOM’s in heaven are waiting for you. We will see you again, we can feel your presence among us. Thank you for everything. Gone to soon.
Tow Truck aka Ralph chavez
I am sending all of my love and prayers to Erin’s family. Erin was a wonderful friend from afar, but I enjoyed seeing her at various Ironman events every year and getting to catch up with her. She was such an inspiration to so many, and she will be dearly missed!!
I did not know Erin. As a fellow biker I am heartbroken for her and the others. So sorry for all the loses.
Erin you were focused on your training & being fit. You were focused on your real estate sales & clients. You were a true friend & a good person. You didn’t deserve this. You had a GR8 life ahead of you. You will be missed by many but not forgotten. My heart hurts for your family, fitness partners, realtors who knew you & the clients you amassed.
Condolences to your family, celebrate Erin!
Dear Ellen , my deepest condolences to you and your family.
My heart is broken with your loss of such a beautiful sole.
May your faith help you through this difficult time.
Sending you love and healing thoughts.Tonia
My friend I love you I am really going to miss you!!! Might God gives your family strength to go through this imaginable loss.
My Deepest Condolences to all the Family & Friends of Erin. She is an Angel. Sweetest Girl I know. I looked forward to her Heartfelt Smile Every Time we met. She was an Inspiration and Blessing to have Known. She will be Missed.
Erin we never got to bike together but every time I bumped into you you made time to talk and you always liked my Strava it was great to see you race at the lake and always podium your little smile will be missed
Ellen,
I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy and your horrific loss. She sounds like a truly remarkable person who made a huge impact and left such a legacy in her too-short life. I will be thinking of her as I remind my kids (and myself) to always drive responsibly without distractions and protect the lives of others who are sharing the road.
Ellen and Ed, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. We are so sorry for Erin’s untimely and unnecessary death. She and our daughter Martha were friends all though school. Knowing of our love for our daughter, we can’t imagine the pain at the loss of yours.
You have been in our thoughts and prayers.
We hope that the message of hope brought by the infant whose divine birth we celebrate at this season of the year will bring you peace and comfort at this tender time. May He bless and sustain you.
Richard and Lori Boyer
My deepest condolences to her family and friend at this most difficult time.
Our hearts break for you
Soar high sweet Erin riding amongst the clouds
Psalm 46:10
Psalm 23
My condolences her family 🥲🙏🏼 She was a beautiful person….❤️
Ellen, Ed & family – There are no words…my heart simply aches for your loss. I pray for you all, that peace settles in, with each passing day. She was God’s blessing to you and your treasure; she will hold a piece of your hearts forever. Sending so much love your way.
Karen & Keith Anderson
Yes you said right