Ryan loved him, he wanted to emulate him as Ned's behavior was perfect.

Most idealistic man he has ever seen.

He even started boasting to his friends about becoming like him declaring him his favorite character.

He was completely heartbroken when

"King Joffrey ordered beheading of his favorite, Ned Stark"

P.S. Do share if your favorite character was also either killed or disappeared from a series/movie/book