Trevor Melvin Wehner, a 21-year-old male from Aurora, IL, tragically lost his life on February 15, 2019. Trevor was a student at Northern Illinois University, where he was studying Human Resources and Business. He was also an intern at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, IL. On his first day as an intern, a gunman opened fire inside the warehouse, resulting in Trevor's death along with four other victims. Trevor was known for his love of sports, especially baseball, and his involvement in various activities in his hometown of Sheridan, IL.
The gunman, who was later identified as Gary Martin, was a former employee of the Henry Pratt Company. Martin had been terminated from his job and returned to the warehouse with a firearm, opening fire on his former colleagues. The incident resulted in the deaths of five employees, including Trevor, and injuries to five police officers and another employee. The police responded quickly to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with Martin, who was ultimately killed by the officers.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the community of Sheridan, IL, where Trevor grew up, came together to support his family and honor his memory. A bench was dedicated to Trevor in the heart of the town, and a scholarship fund was established in his name. The incident also led to discussions about workplace safety and gun control measures, as the gunman had a history of violence and had previously been convicted of a felony.
Trevor's death was a devastating loss for his family, friends, and the community. His parents, Tom Wehner and Bonnie Anliker Rich, expressed their gratitude for the support they received from the community during this difficult time. The investigation into the shooting revealed that the gunman had obtained the firearm used in the attack despite his criminal record, raising questions about the effectiveness of background checks and gun control laws.
The tragic events of February 15, 2019, serve as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Trevor Melvin Wehner's memory lives on through the scholarship fund established in his name and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him.
