Back-to-back losses are devastating a tight-knit community in the southwest suburbs.
The support surrounding the families was evident in the hundreds of people that showed up at a vigil Thursday night to honor two junior high school students in Manhattan, Illinois, who passed away just days apart.
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The community gathered to share their fondest memories and their heartbreak.
“We gather tonight remember our students Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt, two of our beautiful boys taken far too soon,” Manhattan School District Supt. Dr. Damien Aherne said.
Hundreds honored the lives of 11-year-old Danny Bayles and 13-year-old Chance Hunnicutt.
Last week, Danny died after suffering a medical emergency. Denise Oswald is remembering her grandson for his warm smile and personality.
“He was so such a child that would give. You could bully him and he would be your friend,” Oswald said. “He was just amazing, artistic and just wanted to be included.”
Just days after the community lost Danny, Manhattan police say Chance was killed after he was hit by a semi while biking with his twin brother and friends.
“He was open in genuine love of reptiles, ‘The Grateful Dead,’ and of course shoes that he never wanted to crease,” Manhattan Junior High School principal Vince Perillo said.
Alcott Langenberg said he had been with his friend Chance less than hour before he was struck.
“It was awful,” Langenberg said. “I just couldn’t really comprehend it.”
Now, a memorial continues to grow near the intersection where he died. Red and green ribbons seen throughout the village in their honor, but the most powerful image Thursday night was witnessing hundreds light up the dark sky.
“Manhattan will face the impossible together,” Perillo said. “We will continue to care for ourselves to care for one another moving forward one moment one step one day at a time.”
The community is now working to raise money for Chance’s family as Danny’s family gets ready to say their final goodbyes at his visitation tomorrow and his funeral, which is planned for Saturday.