Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley Remembered By Local Leaders

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Officials from the City of Crystal Lake and McHenry County are offering their condolences to the family of Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley who died Monday morning at the age of 56, the City of Crystal Lake announced. In a Monday news release, the City called Mayor Shepley's death "sudden," and extends their deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.

"Mayor Shepley loved Crystal Lake and was a strong advocate for our community," the City said. "We celebrate his life and trust that his legacy will inspire all residents and businesses to serve their community."

Shepley was pronounced dead Monday morning at his home in Crystal Lake, according to McHenry County Interim Coroner John Miller, the Daily Herald reported. Miller said a cause of death hasn't been determined, but doesn't appear to be suspicious.

McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks, (D-Marengo) issued a statement Monday regarding Shepley's death, saying Crystal Lake and McHenry County "lost a true champion for the people with the sudden passing of Mayor Aaron Shepley," the statement read.

"Aaron was a tireless public servant who cared deeply about the Crystal Lake community and never stopped advocating for his constituents during his 21 years as mayor. The people of Crystal Lake first elected him mayor in 1999 after two years on the City Council, and just last year re-elected him to a sixth term.

Aaron helmed Crystal Lake through good times and bad. He worked to revitalize the Route 14 corridor with the addition of several high-end retailers. Under his leadership, the city made it through the Great Recession without having to use property taxes to pay for city services.

He served McHenry County with prestige and distinction for almost two decades as its representative on the Pace Board, where he tirelessly fought for improved county access to mass transit, including the successful MCRide paratransit service. Aaron’s leadership as mayor was instrumental in Crystal Lake getting a second Metra station at Pingree Road.

Most importantly, Aaron was a humble man who told anyone who would listen that behind every good elected leader was an army of dedicated and talented civil servants.

Mayor Shepley’s death has ripped a huge hole in the Crystal Lake community. My prayers are with Aaron’s wife, Regan, and their daughters Madison and Chase, during this terrible time.”

Shepley served for two years as a city council member from 1997 to 1999. He was the City's longest serving mayor, impacting the community with a positive and empowering message for 21 years — since 1999: "Mayor Shepley championed a united City Council, working together for one purpose and vision: to make Crystal Lake a great place to live," the City said in the news release.

The McHenry County State's Attorney's office also shared a statement Monday following the news of Shepley's overnight death.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of Mayor Shepley," the state's attorney's office stated, on Facebook. "He was a wonderful man and Mayor. To be without such a selfless, engaged, and capable leader, especially during these times, is a stinging and tragic loss. Our deepest condolences to the a Shepley family and residents of Crystal Lake."

McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett took to Facebook Monday on the City of McHenry's behalf to express his deepest condolences to Shepley's family.

"While I have only been able to work with Mayor Shepley on municipal matters for a few years, I am in awe of his personal and professional accomplishments, which include having served as the Mayor of Crystal Lake for more than 20 years," Jett said. "Under his leadership, the City of Crystal Lake has been able to continue to transform and thrive, even in difficult times. I will personally miss Mayor Shepley’s experience and insight and know that he will be missed by his close associates, friends and family."

More: Robert Wagner, Former Crystal Lake Mayor, Dies

Shepley's death comes less than five months after former Crystal Lake Mayor Robert "Bob" Wagner passed away Dec. 13. Wagner served as the City's mayor from 1995 to 1999, prior to Shepley's 21 years of service.

Patch will continue updating this breaking news.