UNCW Student and Yoga Instructor EllaRyan Marie Miller, 21, Passes Away After Being Struck By Train in Clayton, NC, Leaves Behind Parents Rick and Jackie

The tragic incident happened just after 5 p.m. near W. First Street.

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EllaRyan Marie Miller death
UNCW student and yoga instructor, EllaRyan Marie Miller passed away at 21 in a tragic train accident. (Image Source: Facebook)

EllaRyan Marie Miller, a native of Wendell, North Carolina, and student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the untimely age of 21.

According to the reports, the untimely death of EllaRyan Marie Miller occurred after being struck by an Amtrak train in downtown Clayton late Tuesday afternoon.

Clayton Police Chief Greg Tart stated that EllaRyan Miller had just finished her summer internship and was walking toward her car parked on Front Street when she attempted to cross the railroad tracks and was struck by the train.

According to an Amtrak spokesperson, Train 79 was en route from New York to Charlotte at the time of the incident.

The untimely death of EllaRyan Marie Miller has left a profound void in the lives of her family, friends, and loved ones.

Many of her loved ones are paying tribute to the late EllaRyan and extending their heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.

UNCW took to its official site to announce the demise of thier beloved senior student, EllaRyan Miller.

The post revealed thar EllaRyan was pursuing a BA majoring in communication studies and was an inspiring leader on the campus, set to graduate in 2026.

She served as president of the Service-Dog Training and Education Program (STEP) student organization and was a popular fitness instructor with campus recreation.

“Her energy, warmth, and commitment to building community touched the Seahawk community deeply. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Ellaryan’s family, friends, and all who knew her.”

Facebook

EllaRyan Marie Miller Was a Certified Yoga Instructor

In addition to being an exceptional student and fitness instructor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the late EllaRyan was a certified yoga instructor.

From May to August 2023, EllaRyan Marie Miller worked part-time as a Yoga Instructor and Social Media Coordinator at True North Yoga and Ayurveda in Clayton, North Carolina.

During her time there, she created and managed engaging content for both the studio’s Instagram and global website.

As a certified RYT 200 yoga instructor, EllaRyan also led power yoga classes, using encouraging and empowering language to inspire her students throughout each session.

Additionally, since 2024, EllaRyan has been working as a summer intern and part-time communication and networking coordinator at RiverWILD in Clayton, North Carolina.

She also worked as a barista at Scooter’s Coffee in Smithfield, North Carolina, and JuiceVibes in Clayton. For over a year, EllaRyan served as a shop assistant at The Neuse Country Club.

Before UNCW, EllaRyan graduated from Clayton High School, where she showcased her amazing athletic skills as a member of the cheerleading team.

EllaRyan Marie Miller’s contribution to the community as an exceptional yoga instructor and her kind and cheerful nature will always remain in the hearts of her family and loved ones.

She is survived by her parents, Rick Miller and Jaqueline ‘Jackie’ Bates Lauer, two sisters, Gracie and Bryce Miller, step-father, Kevin Lauer, half-siblings, and the whole family.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Late EllaRyan Marie Miller’s father, Rick Miller, is an East Carolina University alumnus and worked at Aramark.
  • Her mother, Jackie Lauer, works at Service Building Supply and lives in Clayton, North Carolina.
  • EllaRyan’s family has yet to provide details about her funeral and memorial services.

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