What started out as a trip to visit a friend on Halloween weekend turned out to be a fatal decision for an ex-cheerleader.
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19-year-old Giana Dettloff had embarked on a trip to visit one of her close friends. Near Illinois Wesleyan University over the weekend. However, she lost her life tragically as a result of a mass shooting near the institution on Sunday (November 1). Per a Tuesday (November 3) report from PEOPLE.
Teen Dead After Illinois Mass Shooting
Per a release from Bloomfield Police, officers responded to a report of multiple shots fired in the 100 block of East Division Street. The department also noted that upon officers' arrival at the scene, multiple individuals had sustained gunshot wounds.
Dettloff, whose identity was redacted from the release, was pronounced dead on the scene. The preliminary autopsy suggested that she succumbed to her injuries after being shot in the chest and pelvis.
Bloomington Chief of Police Jamal Simington assured the public that the department "will identify the person or persons responsible for this tragedy and bring them forward for justice."
"For a parent, sending a child off to college is filled with pride, hope, and excitement for the journey ahead. To have that journey cut short in such a tragic way is a parent's worst nightmare," Simington said in a statement (via PEOPLE).
"Our hearts are with Giana's family, friends, and everyone impacted by this tragedy. So we also ask our community to keep Giana's loved ones in their thoughts. And respect their privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss."
Dettloff's Cheer Squad Pays Tribute to Her
Dettloff, a former high school cheerleader for the Glenbard North High School Panthers, was a student at North Central College, per NBC 5.
The teen's cheer squad paid tribute to her in a touching Instagram post.
"We are absolutely heartbroken about the tragic death of Giana Dettloff," the post said. "Giana was not only a sweet and caring soul. She also had a massive positive influence on our community. She respected others and made our school a better place. Her impact will not be forgotten."
