Ryan So

Detective Ryan So of the Scottsdale Police Department in Arizona was a member of the Special Assignments Unit. On June 13, 2024, he was part of a search warrant and arrest operation. After serving a warrant, he returned to their facility and was unloading equipment from a department vehicle when he was accidentally shot and killed. He picked up a coworker’s backpack from the vehicle. Unknown to Detective So, a rifle inside was in a folded position when it fell out of the bag. The rifle butt hit the pavement and the weapon discharged, striking Detective So. Despite efforts to save his life, he later died at the hospital. He was 38 years old and had served with the department for nine years. Detective So was also a United States Navy veteran. 

So was a first-generation Korean American born in Scottsdale, Arizona, to parents, Jinsoo So and Sangyun So. He loved his culture dearly but also took tremendous pride in being an American. He matured quickly, often helping his parents translate and navigate their life here in the states. He was a graduate of the University of Arizona’s School of Engineering. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy.  

So had a passion for helping others and was a natural leader. He longed to be part of a brotherhood. He began his law enforcement career with the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, in 2011. He joined the Scottsdale Police Department in 2015. He took much interest in training and perfecting his craft. He focused largely on creating a culture within the SWAT/SAU department that was cohesive and inclusive for the team and decentralized personnel. He also had a gift of networking and connecting the SWAT team with members of the community and other departments for training locations and department opportunities. He was also an active member of the Valley Life Church. 

So met his future wife, Ashley, after basic training to become Navy Corpsmen. He was very smart, athletic, and confident, yet friendly and approachable. They married and had three daughters: Emerson, Stella, and Tatum. He was a devoted husband and father, spending time sharing his love of jujitsu with them, playing games, exploring new places, hiking and backpacking. He was a man of God, always striving to improve and to help others with his selfless heart. 

Detective Ryan So is survived by his loving wife, Ashley, his three daughters, Emerson, Stella and Tatum, his parents, Jinsoo and Sangyun So, his sister, Haerina, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the So family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.