Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
The sale of "MSD114 Together in Support" items will help fund the memorial for Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt. MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan District 114 will honor the memories of two late Manhattan Junior High students with a permanent memorial to be created at the school, officials said Tuesday. The memorial will pay tribute to sixth-grader Danny Bayles and eighth-grader Chance Hunnicutt, two students who died several days apart. Bayles, 11, died Oct. 16 after suffering a medical emergency stemming from an asthma attack. Hunnicutt, 13, was fatally struck by a semi while riding his bike in the downtown Oct. 20. Hundreds gathered Thursday at the school to remember the boys, many standing before growing makeshift memorials of flowers and keepsakes—the support an apparent salve for a community's collective broken heart. "... Their bright spirits brought joy to those around them, and their absence leaves an ache that words can hardly express," said Manhattan District 114 Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne. "Our community's hurting," said Principal Vince Perillo. "Our students are trying to make sense of this loss. Our staff members are grieving. Our first responders, our friends at the police department and with the fire department are grieving. And our families are devastated by the passing of two remarkable young men. "We have come to gather tonight to be with one another, to care for ourselves and to care for each other. We're here to stand beside the Bayles family and the Hunnicutt families and all of their friends and loved ones as they face the unimaginable. We are here for the students—all students—of Manhattan School District 114 and the staff members because this tragedy reaches far beyond Manhattan Junior High School. It touches every one of our schools, every one of our hearts. We're here tonight to honor Danny and Chance, two unique individuals who share many of the same wonderful qualities." The district on Tuesday said it will create a permanent memorial for the boys, with a sale of "MSD114 Together in Support" T-shirts, sweatshirts, polos and hats to help raise funds. Action Sports Frankfort is selling the apparel via website, with orders accepted until 11 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. The company will also match the amount of funds raised, the district said. Patch has reached out to the district for additional information and comment on the memorial. Family and friends last week remembered Danny as "unapologetically himself, genuinely himself." He was a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Church Pre-School in New Lenox, and he also attended Anna McDonald Elementary School, Wilson Creek Elementary School and Manhattan Intermediate School. He played the trumpet in the Manhattan Marching Band and the Manhattan Concert Band, and he was on the Manhattan School District #114 Fishing Club, his obituary reads. He also enjoyed gaming, especially Fortnite and Roblox, he was also a collector of T13 figurines. He was an avid reader and loved walking to the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library. "He was caring and kind, especially towards his family and friends, especially when sticking around after band to wait for his cousin or showing up to competitions to cheer everyone on," Perillo said. "He was quiet, but he was always listening, always wanting to do the right thing. But when you sparked his interest in something that he loved, like fishing, that quiet smirk of his would turn into a smile that could light up an entire room." In a GoFundMe started to support the Hunnicutt family, Chance is described as "full of life, laughter, and love. "... always by the side of his twin brother, Ryder," the fundraiser reads. "The bond they shared was unbreakable, and the pain of losing him is beyond words." Perillo remarked on Chance's warmth. "He was a friend to all, always checking in on other people, his family, his peers, his teachers, and doing something that's very difficult for a young man to do: balancing manners and politeness with a sense of humor," he said. "He was open and genuine, a lover of reptiles, the Grateful Dead, and of course, shoes that he never wanted to crease." A GoFundMe to support Hunnicutt's family has swelled to more than $58,000. Meal trains have also been established to support both the Bayles and Hunnicutt families. Residents are encouraged to tie red and green ribbons around trees in the community—red honoring Danny with his favorite color, and green in honor of Chance. At the vigil, Perillo commended district parents and children for their courage in navigating grief. "In this time of heartbreak, the love and support that's been shown by our community has been deeply moving," he said. "You've had stickers, ribbons, signs—all donated by people that are wanting to do good in this tragic moment, trying to put into action to start the process of healing. Parents and community members, you are raising extraordinary children. "On their own, without direction from adults, our students have shown the very best of humanity...." Danny's aunt, Tiffany Oswald, also thanked the town for their support. ""It’s the worst possible thing for anyone to go through, and yet you are surrounded by people who are showing up, and they don’t even know you," Oswald said. "And they are there for you. ... Even in the darkness, there was that little bit of beauty that shined through. "It’s really incredible, and I don’t think that you would get this in a lot of places. To say that we are all so grateful to be in a town surrounded by the neighbors of Manhattan. ... "It’s the best place to have the worst thing happen to you."
