Manhattan D114, Village Plan Remembrance Gathering Amid Anniversaries Of Students' Deaths

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan District 114 and Village officials have collaborated on a remembrance ceremony meant to unite the community amid the anniversaries of two junior high students' deaths.

Danny Bayles, 11, and Chance Hunnicutt, 13, died just days apart in October 2025. Bayles died Oct. 16 from complications following an asthma attack. Hunnicutt was fatally struck by a semi in downtown Manhattan Oct. 20.

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The back-to-back tragedies stunned the town, with hundreds turning out for a candlelight vigil at Manhattan Jr. High days later.

Manhattan District 114 on Tuesday said a gathering is planned again this year, in memory of the boys and as an effort to gather supporting each other.

"Now that October has begun, it is not lost on us that this month may bring back lots of feelings and emotions for us individually, as a staff, and as a community," the district shared on social media. "...We invite you to join us as a community, the Village of Manhattan in honoring both boys as their memories live on through us."

The ceremony is set for Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m., in the Demon Legacy Garden at the school, 15414 Smith Rd.

"One year ago, our school community experienced the heartbreaking loss of two of our students, Danny Bayles and Chance Hunnicutt," said Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne. "While time has passed, their absence continues to be felt by the families, friends, classmates, and staff whose lives they touched.

"Our Remembrance Gathering is an opportunity to come together, honor the lives of Danny and Chance, and remind their families and friends that they remain an important part of our Manhattan school community.

"Above all, this gathering is about remembering two boys whose lives mattered deeply and reaffirming that their memories will always have a place in our Manhattan schools and community."

Danny was remembered 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," Principal Vince Perillo described at last year's gathering.

"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 was described as "full of life, laughter, and love.

"... always by the side of his twin brother, Ryder," the fundraiser read. "The bond they shared was unbreakable, and the pain of losing him is beyond words."

"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," Perillo said of Hunnicutt. "He was open and genuine, a lover of reptiles, the Grateful Dead, and of course, shoes that he never wanted to crease."

As the community navigated initial grief last year, Aherne assured the district would continue to honor the boys' memories and support each other.

The Oct. 20 event is open to the families, community, and District 114 staff. Candles will be available and attendees are welcome to bring items to place in the garden.