Ronald W. Thrasher Jr., 48, of Bloomington, Illinois, was found unresponsive in a ditch in Dry Grove Township on April 16, 2024, after McLean County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call about 6:40 a.m. An autopsy by the McLean County coroner’s office determined he died from multiple gunshot wounds and the death has been ruled a homicide. Toxicology results are pending and the investigation is being handled by the McLean County sheriff’s department, the coroner’s office, and the Illinois State Police.

Thrasher was born December 5, 1975, in Bloomington. He attended Bloomington High School and later earned an associate degree in Liberal Studies and a construction certificate, building a career in the construction industry. He is survived by his parents Millie Thrasher and Ronald Thrasher Sr., siblings Mike and Amy Thrasher, four children including sons Anthony Ragland, Dillon Waters, Elias Thrasher and daughter Alyssa Thrasher-Alao, granddaughter Brooklyn Kelly (known as Poptart), fiancée Anna Henson, and other relatives and friends. A private celebration of life was held April 21, 2024.

Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact Lt. Jason Tuttle or Detective Rivera.