Fund Raiser Set Up to Cover Funeral for Chicago Heights Boy Who Drowned in Kankakee River

A fund raiser is under way to help the family of Jaden Irby, the 14-year-old Chicago Heights boy who drowned in the Kankakee River on Aug. 31.

Jaden was aiding three other youngsters who were playing in the river when they got caught in an undertow. He likely was pulled under the water around 2 p.m. by the strong current. He was missing for almost five hours. His body was found at about 7 p.m.

Jaden played on the Washington/McKinley flag football team and he played on the eighth-grade basketball team. “Jaden lived for sports,” according to the GiveForward.com page where money is being raised for his funeral costs.

$1,020 has been raised on a goal of $3,000 as of Tuesday, Sept. 9. “All donations will be allocated to the family for funeral and burial costs,” the page states. Visit GiveForward.com to donate to the Jaden Irby fund.