Caden Jay Thomas, a 15-year-old from Marquette Heights, Illinois, passed away on August 19, 2023, following an unintentional gunshot wound to the head. The incident occurred on Saturday evening around 9:24 P.M. in the area of Lincoln Street and Rogers Street in Marquette Heights.
Emergency services, including Marquette Heights Police and EMS, responded promptly to the scene. EMS personnel initiated lifesaving procedures on Caden before transporting him to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in grave condition. Despite the medical efforts, Caden Thomas died a couple of hours later, at approximately 11:38 P.M..
The Peoria County Coroner, Jamie Harwood, confirmed that Caden's death was the result of an accidental shooting. The Illinois State Police are conducting an investigation into the incident, which is being treated as an "unfortunate accident".
Caden Jay Thomas was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is survived by his parents, Angus Thomas and Chandra Duckett, as well as his siblings, Maximus Chance, Theodore Regot, and Alys Duckett. He also leaves behind several grandparents, aunts, and cousins.
The community has been mourning the loss of Caden, with memorial contributions suggested to be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society in his honor. The exact circumstances of the shooting remain unclear as the investigation continues.
