Levi C. Blair, a 39-year-old man, was fatally shot on December 31, 2024, in Lewistown, Illinois. The incident occurred at approximately 6:51 p.m. in the 500 block of South Main Street. Authorities responded to the scene and found Blair suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Blair, who had previously served as a captain in the Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Fire Protection District, was also an Army veteran and a graduate of Olympia High School in Stanford. His contributions to the community were widely recognized, and his passing was met with an outpouring of grief from colleagues and local organizations. The Fulton County Emergency Medical Association, where Blair worked as a paramedic, expressed deep sorrow over his death, highlighting his dedication to his work and the people he served.
Following the shooting, authorities arrested 33-year-old Nicholas Pratt in connection with the crime. Pratt, a resident of Ipava, was charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and endangering the life or health of a child. Reports indicate that the shooting occurred during a child custody exchange. Pratt was denied release while awaiting trial, and an autopsy for Blair was scheduled for the following Friday.
Blair's funeral was planned for the following week, with a first responder walk-through scheduled to take place a day before the service. His colleagues and community members continued to mourn his loss, remembering his unwavering dedication and service.
