Grant Withers, a 15-year-old student-athlete at PORTA High School in Petersburg, Illinois, died on February 1, 2025, after a shooting on the 15000 block of Tice Road east of Petersburg. Menard County deputies who answered a 911 call found two people with life-threatening gunshot wounds; both were taken to Springfield hospitals and Grant succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary autopsy findings released by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon list cause of death as a gunshot wound.

Grant was described as an outdoors enthusiast who enjoyed riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers and hunting with his older brother. His father, Richard Withers, 40, also died from a gunshot wound in the same incident. The Menard County Sheriff’s Office asked the Illinois State Police to take over the active investigation. Authorities have not released details about suspects, arrests, motives, or the condition and identity of the other victim.

The community has organized support for the family, including a GoFundMe campaign titled In Memory of Grant Withers to help with funeral and related expenses. If anyone has information about the shooting, please contact the Illinois State Police.