- 2/15/2025 12:15:00 PM
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FREDONIA, N.Y. (WIVB)-- Ricky Burgstrom was a rising star in the bowling community, what his friends called a genuine up-and-comer.
Sadly, an auto accident cut his life short in 2021, shocking friends and family.
Burgstrom is now forever being honored at Lucky Lanes Bowling Alley in the Village of Fredonia. An autographed bowling ball hangs on the wall where Ricky invested a lot time and won many tournaments. The signature is from his role model, pro-bowler Jason Belmonte. Through Instagram they bonded over their two preferred leisure activities, bowling, and purchasing special sneakers.
" Over the years we continued the relationship we had a lot of discussions about bowling and tennis shoes and whenever there was a particularly hard set of shoes I was trying to get Ricky constantly came through," Belmonte said.
Unfortunately, the two never got to satisfy face to face.
" We never got an opportunity to shake hands and share a video game or more on the lanes. It's kind of the one thing you sort of take for granted - - time. There was no seriousness," Belmonte stated.
Right away after winning his fourth championship this weekend, the professional bowler drove from Ohio to Fredonia to be there for this important day. Jason says he was accepted by Ricky's friends and family.
" I guess that's exactly how Ricky was. You 'd fulfill him, you 'd say hi a few times, and you 'd realize ‘‘ oh I've just understood you for a month? It seems like a lot longer than that,'" Belmonte stated.
While his child couldn't be there to fulfill his role model, Ricky's father states he understands his child is still there in spirit cheering them on.
‘‘ It's difficult to lose a son at the age of 22. I think that was the difficult part. events like this assistance us to understand that he's still there," said Ricky's father, Richard. "Somehow he always got people together and he always somehow got individuals to get along."
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