MANHATTAN, IL — A vigil has been planned in memory of two Manhattan Jr. High students who died just days apart.

Manhattan District 114 on Tuesday announced the vigil set for Thursday, Oct. 23 in memory of sixth grader Danny Bayles, who died Oct. 16, and eighth grader Chance Hunnicutt, who died Oct. 20. Bayles died after suffering a medical emergency; Hunnicutt was fatally struck by a semi truck while riding his bicycle in downtown Manhattan.

The boys’ deaths have devastated the community.

Find out what’s happening in Manhattanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred,” Mayor Mike Adrieansen said previously. “Our hearts go out to the family of Danny Bayles, whom we lost last week, and to the family of the young man we lost yesterday evening. Please keep both families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

A vigil is set for Thursday, Oct. 23, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Manhattan Junior High, 15414 Smith Rd. Attendees are encouraged to park at Manhattan Intermediate School and in surrounding neighborhoods.

Find out what’s happening in Manhattanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.’No grief greater’

The incident Monday closed a stretch of the downtown as first responders and police worked the scene. As news of the boy’s death Monday spreads and compounds upon the grief rooted in the earlier loss, community members, local officials and businesses turned to social media in a show of unity and support for those impacted.

In neighboring New Lenox, Mayor Tim Baldermann shared his sympathies.

“There can be no grief greater than losing a child,” Baldermann wrote. “Two families in Manhattan have lost children in the past week. All of us have experienced loss in one way or another, and we know that the compassion and support of loved ones and strangers alike can be incredibly comforting.

“Please keep these families and the friends of these children in your thoughts and hearts. Heartbreaking times like these should remind us of what really matters in life.”

Social media accounts across Manhattan now bear the image of the state of Illinois, with the town name emblazoned across it and a heart positioned atop it.

“Please pray for Manhattan, including parents and families of those affected, first responders, and friends of the two grade school children we have lost this past week,” wrote mainstay business Bothwell Farms. “Pray for the family of Danny Bayles, whom we just lost last week. Yesterday’s tragedy was terrible, so please pray for the family of the young man we lost yesterday evening.

“Manhattan has a strong sense of community—let’s show these families that they are not alone here.”

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Vigil planned in boys’ memories

The Manhattan District 114 community has been moved to action amidst its grief.

In honor of Danny, his classmates last week wore red—his favorite color. Danny was a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Church Pre-School in New Lenox, and he also attended Anna McDonald Elementary School, Wilson Creek Elementary School, Manhattan Intermediate School and Manhattan Jr. High. He played the trumpet in the Manhattan Marching Band and the Manhattan Concert Band, and he was on the Manhattan School District #114 Fishing Club, his obituary reads. He also enjoyed gaming, especially Fortnite and Roblox, he was also a collector of T13 figurines. He was an avid reader and loved walking to the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library.

He “will be remembered for his light spirit, his sense of humor and his big heart; he loved everyone he ever met, and he was a friend to everyone.”

“Our classrooms and hallways felt quieter today, but our hearts were joined in remembering one of our own, 6th grade student, Danny Bayles,” the district shared on social media. “Students spread the word to wear red, his favorite color, to honor him today. Forever a Manhattan Demon you will be, Danny.”

Manhattan District 114 on Monday night also issued a statement to families about the sudden death of Hunnicutt.

“Our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” said Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne.

In a GoFundMe started to support the Hunnicutt family, Chance is described as “full of life, laughter, and love.

“… always by the side of his twin brother, Ryder,” the GoFundMe reads. “The bond they shared was unbreakable, and the pain of losing him is beyond words.

“… Chance’s light touched everyone who knew him — his smile, his kindness, his energy will never be forgotten.”

A memorial erected near the accident site. Courtesy of Katie Bernard-Denny

Meal trains have been established to support both the Bayles and Hunnicutt families. Red and green ribbons have been tied around trees in the community—red honoring Danny with his favorite color, and green in honor of Chance.

Manhattan District 114 has organized a vigil in remembrance of both boys. The gathering is set for Thursday, Oct. 23, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Manhattan Junior High, 15414 Smith Rd. Attendees are encouraged to park at Manhattan Intermediate School and in surrounding neighborhoods.

“Manhattan District 114 invites our community to come together to support one another, to share comfort, and to find strength in connection,” the district said.

Visitation for Danny Bayles will be held Friday, Oct. 24 from 3 to 7:30 p.m., at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St.. Funeral service will take place the following day, Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning with an additional hour of visitation beginning at 9 a.m. until his time of funeral service at 10 a.m. All services on Saturday will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 N. Cedar Rd., New Lenox.

In light of Danny’s spirit, the family requests that those attending any of Danny’s services dress casually and wear his favorite color red. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly suggests that donations be made in Danny’s name to the Manhattan Band Boosters, 15414 Smith Rd., Manhattan.

Obituary information for Chance Hunnicutt was not available as of early Wednesday afternoon.

A vigil is set for Thursday, Oct. 23, from 7 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Manhattan Junior High, 15414 Smith Rd. Attendees are encouraged to park at Manhattan Intermediate School and in surrounding neighborhoods.

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