Caden Jay Thomas was 15 when he died from an unintentional gunshot wound to the head on August 19, 2023. The shooting occurred around 9:24 P.M. near the intersection of Lincoln Street and Rogers Street in Marquette Heights, Illinois. Emergency responders performed lifesaving measures and transported Caden to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, where he died at about 11:38 P.M. The Peoria County Coroner, Jamie Harwood, ruled the death an accidental shooting.

The Illinois State Police are investigating and describe the event as an unfortunate accident; exact circumstances remain unclear as the inquiry continues. Caden was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is survived by his parents, Angus Thomas and Chandra Duckett; his siblings Maximus Chance, Theodore Regot, and Alys Duckett; and several grandparents, aunts, and cousins. Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society in his honor.

If anyone witnessed the incident or has information, please share it with investigators.