Who is Ryan Wedding? Olympian turned alleged murderous drug kingpin and top FBI target

Childhood in Thunder Bay

Ryan Wedding’s story begins in Thunder Bay, Ontario, a town once bustling with shipping industries but later plagued by crime. Born in 1981, Wedding grew up in an environment where the shipping industry’s decline in the ’70s and ’80s left an economic void, contributing to rising crime rates. His family, however, provided a different trajectory. His father, Rene, an engineer with a skiing background, and his mother, Karen, whose brother was a Canadian national ski team member, nurtured Ryan’s love for winter sports. The family even ran a small ski hill, embedding a passion for skiing in Ryan from a young age. Notably, Ryan’s fearlessness stood out, a trait that would later define both his athletic and criminal endeavors.

Athletic Career and Olympic Aspirations

Wedding’s move to Coquitlam, British Columbia, near Vancouver, marked the beginning of his snowboarding career. By age 12, he won his first competition, and by 15, he was part of the Canadian national team, traveling globally. His dedication was unwavering; he obsessed over perfecting techniques and even modified his gear for an edge. Rene’s financial support enabled Ryan’s pursuits, spending $40,000 on his training. Ryan’s Olympic debut in 2002 at Salt Lake City was a high point, though he finished 24th, failing to medal. This moment, though not triumphant, showcased his relentless spirit, setting the stage for a life of both triumph and turmoil.

Early Criminal Involvement and First Arrest

Post-Olympics, Wedding’s life took a darker turn. Enrolling at Simon Fraser University, he entered Vancouver’s burgeoning marijuana scene, where low enforcement priority allowed illegal businesses to thrive. Gang activity rose, with groups like the Red Scorpions and Independent Soldiers emerging. Wedding’s first brush with the law came in 2006, linked to a marijuana grow operation. In 2009, he was arrested in the U.S. for cocaine trafficking, revealing ties to a Vancouver drug lord. During this time, Vancouver was gripped by a gang war, with over 30 shootings reported. Wedding’s sentencing included a four-year prison term and forfeiture of $121,000, a stark contrast to his once-promising athletic career.

Rise to Notorious Kingpin

Wedding’s release from prison in 2015 marked a new chapter in crime. Charged with drug offenses in Nova Scotia, he evaded capture, beginning life as a fugitive. Suspected of trafficking billions in cocaine, Wedding allegedly collaborated with the Sinaloa Cartel, expanding operations across Colombia, Mexico, and the U.S. His aliases—"El Jefe," "Giant"—underscored his notoriety. Accused of orchestrating murders, including a mistaken-identity killing in Ontario, Wedding’s reign involved ruthless tactics, solidifying his dangerous reputation.

The International Manhunt

The FBI’s $10 million reward for Wedding’s capture highlights the urgency of his case. Believed to operate in Mexico, with possible ties to other Central American countries and the U.S., Wedding remains elusive. His alleged involvement in multiple murders and drug trafficking has garnered the attention of both U.S. and Canadian authorities, creating an international pursuit. Wedding’s ability to evade capture continues to challenge law enforcement, as his network and aliases aid his concealment.

Reflections on a Troubling Transformation

Wedding’s journey from Olympian to fugitive is a tale of contrasts. His early life, marked by family support and a passion for sports, diverged sharply into crime. The fearlessness that once propelled him on snow now fuels his criminal empire. Thunder Bay’s crime-ridden environment and Vancouver’s gang activity provided fertile ground for his descent. Wedding’s story reflects broader issues in these regions, where economic decline and drug culture intersect. His transformation serves as a cautionary tale of how potential can be derailed by circumstance and choice, leaving a legacy of crime instead of athletic glory.