In Loving Memory of Landin Bodine

In Loving Memory of Landin Bodine (2007–2025)

Mt. Zion, Illinois

The community of Mt. Zion and the greater Decatur area are mourning the tragic and heartbreaking loss of Landin Bodine, an 18-year-old whose life was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence. What should have been an ordinary Friday afternoon turned into an unimaginable tragedy, leaving family, friends, classmates, and loved ones struggling to find words for a loss that feels impossible to accept.

On Friday afternoon, just after 4:15 p.m., first responders were called to a reported shooting at Sportsman’s Park near Lake Decatur. Landin was rushed to Decatur Memorial Hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. While an arrest has been made and an investigation is ongoing, no answers can ever fill the space now left in the hearts of those who loved him.

Landin was more than a headline or a statistic — he was a son, a friend, a classmate, and a bright young soul with dreams still forming and a future full of promise. Known for his easy smile and kind heart, Landin had a way of bringing light into the lives of those around him. He had a natural ability to make people feel accepted, welcomed, and valued just by being himself.

He was at an age where life was just beginning — filled with hopes, plans, laughter, and the excitement of what was still to come. Whether he was spending time with friends, enjoying simple moments outdoors, or sharing laughter with those close to him, Landin lived with a spirit that drew people to him.

Those who knew him best remember his loyalty, his gentle soul, and the way he showed up for people he cared about. He had a heart that loved deeply and a quiet strength that left a lasting impression. His memory now lives on in every shared story, every photograph, and every cherished moment preserved in the hearts of family and friends.

This tragedy has shaken a community that now stands united in grief, love, and support. In this time of sorrow, hearts are lifted in prayer for Landin’s family, who bear the deepest and most painful loss imaginable.

Though his time here was far too short, Landin Bodine’s life mattered. He was loved, he was valued, and he will never be forgotten.

Rest in eternal peace, Landin.

Your light will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved you.