Ronald W. Thrasher Jr., a 48-year-old resident of Bloomington, Illinois, was found dead in a ditch in Dry Grove Township on April 16, 2024. The discovery was made when McLean County sheriff's deputies responded to a call around 6:40 a.m. at the intersection of 900 East Road and 1650 North Road, just west of Bloomington-Normal. Upon arrival, they found Thrasher unresponsive in the ditch.
An autopsy conducted by the McLean County coroner’s office revealed that Thrasher died from multiple gunshot wounds, and the incident has been deemed a homicide. Toxicology testing is still pending as part of the ongoing investigation.
Thrasher was born on December 5, 1975, in Bloomington, Illinois. He attended Bloomington High School and later earned an associate degree in Liberal Studies, as well as a certificate in construction, which led to a career in the construction industry. He was known for his positive demeanor and his deep love for his family, particularly his children and granddaughter, Brooklyn “Poptart”.
Thrasher is survived by his mother, Millie Thrasher (Bricker); his father, Ronald Thrasher Sr. (Kimberly Musgrave-Thrasher); his brother, Mike Thrasher; his sister, Amy Thrasher (Nathan Gillespie); his three sons, Anthony Ragland, Dillon Waters, and Elias Thrasher; his daughter, Alyssa Thrasher-Alao (Kelsey Alao); his granddaughter, Brooklyn Kelly; and his fiancé, Anna Henson, along with many other relatives and friends.
The investigation into Thrasher's death is being conducted by the McLean County sheriff’s department, the McLean County coroner’s office, and the Illinois State Police. Authorities are seeking any information that might aid in the investigation and have provided contact details for Lt. Jason Tuttle and Detective Rivera for anyone with relevant information. A private celebration of life for Ronald W. Thrasher Jr. was held on April 21, 2024.
