MANHATTAN, IL — A small town is deep in grief, mourning the unexpected deaths of two Manhattan boys just several days apart.
Manhattan residents are sharing their devastation and heartbreak, following the loss of a sixth grader last week, and an eighth grader Monday evening.
Danny Bayles died Oct. 16 after suffering a medical emergency. He was 11 years old.
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Days later, a 13-year-old boy was fatally struck by a semi in downtown Manhattan. His name has not yet been released as of Tuesday morning.
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.
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“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred,” Mayor Mike Adrieansen wrote. “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.”
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 Manhattan 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.”
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 issued a statement to families about the sudden death of the eighth grader.
“Our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” said Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne.
The district will offer counseling and support services for students, Aherne wrote. Additional support will come from neighboring districts, including social workers, counselors and psychologists to assist students and staff as they process the loss.
“We recognize that this is a very difficult time for our school community, and we deeply appreciate your compassion, understanding, and support,” the letter to families reads.
All district activities before and after school were also canceled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, the district also said.
“May god give the school counselors, teachers and staff the strength and courage they will need to help their students deal with such a heartbreaking tragedy,” one community member wrote on social media. “It’s hard as adults to process …. I can’t imagine junior high emotions going through it. Prayers, strength and gratitude to all of you!”
Parents remarked on the impact of the loss.
“This tragedy tonight has shaken the entire Manhattan community,” one wrote. “My heart, and prayers go out to his parents, family, friends, teachers, and everyone deeply affected by this. My son who is in 8th grade with this sweet boy is trying to understand why bad things happen to good people, especially children. It’s such a heartbreaking conversation to have, but we as parents have to be there for them, and comfort them, and we as parents don’t know why tragedies like this happen. We have to pray, and come together.
“MJHS will be utilizing so much support tomorrow for all the staff, and students. Our kids, and community have endured so much in the last 5 days that we need to support one another to the fullest.
“Pray for his family, and hug your kids SO incredibly tight tonight, and every night!”
Manhattan Trustee Justin Young also shared his sympathies.
“This past week, two of our families suffered the unthinkable loss of their young sons,” Young wrote. “There is no pain deeper, no words sufficient. As a community, our hearts are broken alongside them—but this loss is deeply personal and painful for these families. Right now, our role is to support them in every way we can.
“In times like this, the strength of a small community is found in quiet actions—showing up with food, offering help without being asked, and most of all, surrounding these families with steady love, respect, and prayer.
“… This is a time for compassion, for care, and for letting these families know they are not alone—not today, and not in the difficult days ahead.”
State Rep. Anthony DeLuca also shared words of support on local social media group Manhappenin’s.
“No words can adequately reflect the profound pain our community is feeling,” DeLuca wrote. “I’m praying for the children we lost, their families and friends, who they so valuably impacted.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for the Manhattan Junior High family, and I am grateful for the assistance from social workers, counselors and others who are providing compassionate guidance during this difficult time.
“I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences and pray the families have comfort and healing.”
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.
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