Nov. 23, one of the strongest women we know was the passenger in a terrible car crash that sent her to the hospital in critical condition and ultimately took her life.
Mary “ ‘Rage’ing Blockaholic” Byrnes, 35, was a rising star among the Burning River Roller Girls and a member of the Rolling Pin-Ups, HazMat Crew, and Burning River All-Stars. As her name implies, she was a powerhouse blocker, but was also known for her tenacity as a jammer.
But at BRRG, we all knew that her most prominent skill was her fierce loyalty to her friends and family. She was always there for us, whether it was making us smile with her irreverent humor or having our backs during the really tough times, both on and off the track.
Who will be there for us now, though, as we say goodbye to our beloved Ragey? She fought just as hard in the hospital as she did on the track until the intense trauma took her life Dec. 4.
Rage just capped an incredible second season with many honors. At our annual banquet in October, she was awarded Rolling Pin-Ups Most Improved, HazMat Crew Best Jammer, HazMat Crew Team MVP, All-Stars Most Improved and All-Stars Rookie of the Year. Her death will leave a giant hole on our league and in our hearts.
She leaves behind three children and a stepson, an extensive family and many derby sisters and brothers who loved her dearly.
Memories and condolences are welcomed in the comments. We will be posting details on how to assist her family and pay respects as we have more information.
UPDATE: Celebration of Mary’s life will take place at 6:00 PM, on Friday, December 12, 2014, at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Rd., North Olmsted, Ohio. Family will welcome friends at the Chapel prior to the service, from 4:00 until 6:00 PM.
Rage, we wish you were here right now to hug and hold. You would know the right thing to say to cheer us up. We miss you so much. Rage on.
Burning River Roller Derby 
“Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, and falling in at night. I miss you like hell.”
― Edna St. Vincent Millay
similar to the hole of my grief, i sometimes talk in circles—I will try not to do that, today. much has been said about Ragey, this week and i am really not gifted enough, with words, to do her justice—to adequately speak, of my dear friend, as i morn her passing. i just wanted to humbly describe her for those who had not, the opportunity—the privilege—to know her. she had an infectious laughter, quick wit, and dramatic, well timed gestures that made her larger–than–life. her charisma, love of life, and openness drew, all who met her—to her. in a world filled with cookie cutter people, she was more. as ferocious, as she was, on the track, she showed a profound gentleness, a patience, and a soft word with her children. she was, like many women today, busy but, unlike many, she always remembered to text or IM or call, just when you needed it. my heart goes out to her mother, sister, and her babies and all the other people she touched before, i had the privilege to call her friend.
She sounds like both an amazing derby player and all around person. Our deepest and sincerest condolences to your league from ours–Capital City Rollers Fredericton N.B. Canada.
From one Rage to another, RIP.
~Rachel Rage #12
GRV Lewisburg, WV
My deepest condolences for your loss. I really really hate seeing such wonderful people lost. Sincerely Dean W Goodlin.
I am sorry for your loss. Peace and Blessings.
Michael Murray, Bellville, Ohio
Sending our love & thoughts to family & friends…x
My sincerest sympathy to Rage’s family and your league. I can’t even imagine the pain you must be going through; my heart is with you all.
Madness “Meanie” Evermean
Heart of Appalachia Roller Derby (H.A.R.D.)
Charleston, West Virginia
Sweet Dreams Rage 😦
Kittysarus Wrecks – 1337
Jewel City Rollergirls
Huntington, Wv
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this tragic event. Sending derby love to you all. (Sexy Suicide Girl. .. Black Heart Maidens)
I did not know her, but I am sorry to hear of her passing and of the loss to her friends, family and team mates. A beautiful life taken way too soon. It is nice to see the Derby world supporting her and her family.
RIH derby sister prayers out to your family and also your derby sisters ,may you rest in peace .
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to your league and Ragey’s family. We are very sorry for your loss. Love to you all.
Your Derby Sisters and Brothers,
Iron Mountain Roller Girls
So sorry to hear of your loss and heartache. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Colleen Best
Charm City Roller Girls
It’s so awful to hear about the loss of someone so great. I’ve been blessed to have never had to say goodbye to a derby sister, so I can only imagine what Rage’s family, friends, and derby family must be going through right now. My heart goes out to all who were touched by Rage’s kindness, smiling face, and ass-kicking moves on the track! Rest in peace girl…it’s so obvious you won’t ever be forgotten.
Emma Gunnagetcha
London Middlesex Roller Derby
London, Ontario, Canada
Rage u were like a second mom to me u were so pretty and sweet kind caring and Im going to miss u so badly i wish u could still be here for your kids graduation thier wedding love ya rage
I am so very sorry for your loss & heartbreak during this Christmas season. May she rest in peace. My thoughts & prayers are with her family & league.
Helga Might, referee
Heart of Appalachia Roller Derby
So sorry for the loss of Rage. My thoughts and meditations go out to the team and to her family.
She looks like she really really LIVED and LOVED her life. I did not know her. But I am inspired by her. So sorry for all of your loss.
Hi, announcer Bear here. I have worked with some of BRRG’s skaters at coed bouts in Marietta. I announced at the large Jingle Brawl set of bouts in Morgantown, WV last night. Several of the almost 70 skaters who were present from 16 different leagues had Rage’s name and number written on their calves in tribute, and I also told her story for a couple minutes before going into my pre-bout announcements. The basic story was that when somebody in the derbyverse hurts, everybody in the derbyverse hurts to some degree, and we shared that pain last night. RIP and Rage On!
We are so touched. Thank you for honoring our friend.
I am glad that I got to meet my wife’s best childhood friend!! I enjoyed teh roller derby experience and was looking forward to more – I do not know if I or my wife can see such competition without you a part of it! RIP Great person!
to all of you wonderful roller derby world people thank you for honoring my sister Mary ( rage) 40 oz Byrnes the special mention by bear with Mary’s number on the thigh made me cry this world was so much better by knowing her and loving her
She is proof that you Can get to heaven on roller skates!! I know St. Peter would not let her roll past the pearly gates:-)
Derby love to her derby and home family from Cape Breton Roller Derby in Canada ❤
Rage sounds like an amazing person all-around. So sorry for your loss. Condolences to Rage’s family and derby family.
-Sugar Slap
Miami’s Vice City Rollers