**Eli Tanner Obituary – Beloved 15-Year-Old Tragically Killed in UTV Rollover Accident in Coles County, Illinois**

With profound sadness, the community of Coles County, Illinois, mourns the heartbreaking loss of Eli Raymond Tanner, a bright and beloved 15-year-old whose life was tragically cut short on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in a rollover accident involving a UTV near County Road 100 North (20940 ECR 100 N) in rural Charleston/Casey area

🕊️ Honoring the Life of Eli Raymond Tanner

🎂 Youthful Spirit and Boundless Potential

Eli brought an infectious enthusiasm and warmth wherever he went. Known for his adventurous spirit, he excelled as both a scholar and a friend:

• A 10th-grade student admired by teachers and classmates for his curiosity.

• A lively presence on the field and track, always supporting teammates.

• An inventor of laughter and kindness—Eli had a talent for making others smile with his humor and compassion

🛻 The Accident – July 10, 2025

At approximately 2:57 p.m., Eli was operating a side-by-side UTV with a friend when the vehicle overturned on the county road. Tragically, he was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected before the UTV rolled, crushing him beneath

• Coroner Ed Schniers confirmed the official cause of death as blunt force trauma, resulting from being ejected and the vehicle rolling over him

• His passenger, who was buckled in, miraculously escaped with minor injuries.

💔 Ripple Effects: Family, Friends & Community United in Grief

👨‍👩‍👦 Family & Survivors

Eli is survived by a grieving family—parents and siblings—who now face a difficult road forward. The Coles County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office extend their deepest condolences.

🤝 Community Mourning & Support

News outlets and local platforms report an outpouring of emotion:

• Charleston, Effingham, and Casey residents unite in sorrow for a life too bright to extinguish so soon

• Facebook tributes from Dieterich and Coles County echo the shared heartbreak: “With unimaginable heartbreak we share the tragic passing of Eli Raymond Tanner…”

🌟 Legacy of a Light-Hearted, Caring Teen

Despite his short life, Eli’s impact was profound:

• Kindness incarnate: His uplifting jokes, support for friends, and genuine empathy made him unforgettable

• Adventurous soul: Whether climbing trees or racing through fields, Eli inspired others to embrace life fully

• Community pillar: Through athletics, academics, and family bonds, he brought people together—offering warmth wherever he went.

🕯️ A Community Remembers and Rises

Memorial & Services Pending

Formal arrangements are expected to be shared by the Tanner family soon, with gatherings likely held in Charleston or Casey. These moments will offer solace and celebration of Eli’s vibrancy.

Honoring Eli’s Memory

To preserve his spirit of adventure and kindness, community members want to:

• Create a scholarship or athletic fund in Eli’s name.

• Host a UTV safety workshop, ensuring others learn from the tragic circumstances of his passing.

• Establish a memorial garden or bench in a local school or park.

🧡 Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Eli’s unexpected departure leaves a deeply felt void, but his light endures—one carried forward by every act of kindness inspired by his memory. As tears mix with remembrance, one truth remains clear:

Though his time with us was far too short, his impact will never fade. His memory lives on in every laugh shared, every kind act extended, and every heart he touched

🚨 What to Remember

• Date of accident: Thursday, July 10, 2025, around 2:57 p.m. on 20940 ECR 100 North.

• Cause: UTV rollover; ejection due to no seat belt; blunt force trauma

• Legacy: Cherished teen with a bright future and a legacy of joy, bravery, and love.

📣 Standing Together in Support

If you’d like to offer condolences or support the family, please contact local church offices or the Coles County Sheriff’s non-emergency line for details. Faces of grief may be private, but community support shows all of Coles County stands with the Tanner family.

Rest in peace, Eli Tanner. You will always be remembered, forever loved, and deeply missed.