JOLIET, Ill. – A devastating tragedy has struck the community of Joliet, Illinois, as a family was senselessly killed by one of their own relatives over the weekend. The victims, the Nance family, were individuals deeply involved in sports both as athletes and coaches. They were remembered as a tight-knit family, known for their contributions to a local sports organization called Rush Athletics USA – Team Illinois.
The Nance family consisted of runners, wrestlers, and coaches, all of whom were involved in the success of the sports organization. The eldest sister, 20-year-old Alexandria Nance, was a talented track and field athlete who had participated in seven different competitions with Rush Athletics USA – Team Illinois. Her sister, Alonnah Nance, was a junior at Joliet West High School, where Alexandria had graduated in the class of 2022.
In addition to the sisters, the perpetrator also took the lives of their mother, brother, aunt, and uncle, leaving behind a trail of mourning and sorrow in the community. As the community grapples with the overwhelming grief, the impact of this tragedy is reverberating through the schools and institutions where the Nance family members were involved.
Joliet West High School, where Alexandria Nance was a former student, released a statement expressing their deep sorrow for the family and the entire school community. The school community also mourned the loss of 28-year-old Toyosi Bakare, a neighbor of the Nance family who was originally from Nigeria.
Neighbors shared their shock and disbelief at the tragic events, emphasizing that the Nance family was known to be a good family that did not deserve such a senseless tragedy. As the investigation continues into the motive behind the shootings, the community is left to grapple with the profound loss of lives and the impact it has had on those left behind.
The endured tragedy has left the community shattered, as they come to terms with the inexplicable loss of lives and the impact it has had on those who knew and loved the Nance family. As investigations continue and the community mourns the victims, the profound impact of this tragedy will be felt for a long time to come.