'Pain Beyond Words': Community Rallies Support For Family Of Boy Killed In Downtown Manhattan

MANHATTAN, IL — A heartbroken community is finding strength in numbers, as together they mourn a 13-year-old boy fatally struck by a semi Monday.

The boy, whose name had not previously been released by authorities, has now been identified by family and friends as Chance Hunnicutt, an eighth-grader at Manhattan Junior High.

A GoFundMe has been started to support the family; it has raised nearly $30,000 as of Wednesday morning.

"Chance was 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."

Hunnicutt was on a bicycle Monday evening at State and East North streets, when he was struck by a semi, according to police. First responders found Hunnicutt unresponsive in the roadway, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

"No parent should ever have to endure this kind of loss," the GoFundMe reads. "As the family faces every parent’s worst nightmare, we’re asking for support to help ease the burden during this unimaginable time."

Funds raised will go toward funeral expenses, meals, and lost wages as they grieve and try to navigate life without their sweet boy, the organizer wrote.

The community is reeling after his death, the second loss of a young boy in the span of several days. Manhattan Junior High sixth grader Danny Bayles died Oct. 16 after suffering a medical emergency. He was 11 years old.

"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."

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

Manhattan District 114 has organized a vigil in memory 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.