There is a huge amount of contributing factors to this story. So I imagine it will be difficult to understand the root cause for this particular fellow.

But given the wider issue of post playing careers, if there is not already, surely we could set up a 1 day training event for all new pro players in the last 12 months.
Simple advice showing the average wage, the average career span. The choices available from spending it all to splitting your money 50/50 between today and the future. Telling players that with their down time whilst playing they should be using it to set up businesses, get educated etc etc.

I don't know if this is already in place, I think Wellens has some kind of involvement in something along these lines. There are a few Saints lads and ex saint lads who it was well known finished their eduacation or training before going fulltime.

The latest is Swift who finished his engineering training. In the end it's their choice, but they should have the choice put to them at least once in their careers.

The average professional football career lasts something like four years. Those with a long Premier League career will be fine but most footballers will have to work after retiring. A journeyman Div 2, Conference player has no chance of retiring at the end of his career. Most Div 2 players will earn more than the national average wage but will be on a one or two year contract. I knew a lad who signed for a Div 2 team on £125 a week,he was young enough to take that risk. Some of the Conference teams are part timers.

Condolences to Ryan's family and friends. Hopefully any lessons that are uncovered can be learnt.

Yeah obviously the lower down the leagues then the lower the wages but in 2009/10 season League 1 players average wage was £73k and apparently that will be increased by 50-100% by bonuses/appearances. So that's still a decent wage and above SL level of IIRC £66k average.
But you're right it's still not going to set a player up for life.

Like I said, maybe the RFL should try and team up with the FA and set up some kind of post-playing careers service for RL and League 1/League 2/ Conference players.

Just for interest, there's a big jump from League 1 to Championship.

Football Average wage 2009/10 season (basic pay, bonuses/appearances typically increase wage from 50-100%)

Premier League - £1,162,350
Championship - £211,068
League 1 - £73,320
League 2 - £38,844

I don't know of any official or semi official sources for SL or Championship average wages but if we go by the salary cap then:
SL - £66k (maybe a bit more due to various concessions/exemptions, but then obviously not all clubs are spending the full cap so that would bring the average down again)

RIP.
Thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Rest in peace, Ryan. Our thoughts are with your family and friends