Deputy Killed In Line Of Duty Survived By 3 Young Children

DEKALB COUNTY, IL — The DeKalb County sheriff’s deputy who was killed in the line of duty when her vehicle was rear-ended by a semitrailer is survived by three young children, according to multiple fundraisers for the family, which generated tens of thousands of dollars in donations.

Deputy Christina Musil, 35, was parked around 10:40 p.m. Thursday on the right shoulder of southbound Route 23 near Perry Road in the area of Waterman when her vehicle was struck from behind by a Kenworth truck, authorities said.

Known by her loved ones as "Beana," a GoFundMe created to support her children — ages 12, 11 and 5 — described Musil as "an incredible soul" and "a loving mother."

"Her sudden departure, and entirely too soon has left her family, especially her children and their grandmother, now their primary caretaker, in a state of unforeseen hardship," the fundraiser said.

"Beana’s life, although only a short 35 years was a testament to service, love, and laughter. She served her country with honor, protected her community with dedication, and most importantly, she raised her children with boundless love. As we come together to mourn and remember Beana, we also rally to support her most precious legacy — her children."

Musil was a five-year veteran of the sheriff's office and served in the corrections and patrol divisions. She also served in the Army National Guard as a military police officer for four years and served in Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009.

“The reach of this tragedy has touched nation wide through military families and friends, as well as the Dekalb County Sheriffs Department,” another GoFundMe for the family said.

As of Monday evening, the fundraisers had yielded more than $70,000 in combined donations. A memorial service was tenatively planned for Thursday on the Northern Illinois University campus.