Port Charlotte family of slain hero teen gets helps from the community

A family’s home holds millions of memories. But the family of local hero, Khyler Edman, wants out after he was murdered there protecting his sister’s life. Now, the community is doing everything it can to help.

The Port Charlotte community knows Khyler Edman as

a hero, but now we are learning Khyler’s dreams were as big as his heart.

His grandmother, “Mimi” Rebecca English, shared her favorite memories of her beloved grandson for the first time. “When he was little, he had such a beautiful imagination,” she said. “The stories he would tell us. And the stories he would write.”

But it has been hard for Rebecca and her family to move on from the tragedy. “It’s like a nightmare and you can’t wake up from,” she added.

The suspect in Khyler’s murder, Ryan Cole, has not been charged in his death. He is in custody at the Charlotte County Jail. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is working with the State Attorney’s Office to finalize the charges.

For the family, their next step is putting the home where Khyler, 15, was murdered behind them. Their realty company told WINK News the family could break their lease if they get the rental home in tip-top shape.

But the family can not do it alone. Port Charlotte’s Patriot Riders of America stepped in to help the family make repairs inside and outside of the home just weeks after escorting Khyler’s family to his memorial service.

“They are part of this community and this community should stick together and help each other out,” said Anthony Cuozzo, president of the Patriot Riders of America Florida chapter.

It is a big step in the healing process for the family who is hoping to move forward but never forgets the teen who remains so close to their heart. “We miss him so bad,” she said.