ROCHELLE, Ill. — A family is continuing their fight for answers surrounding the death of a Western Illinois University graduate.
Sept. 15 marks six years since the death of Army national guardsman Tyler Smith, 23.
He was found dead in Galesburg back in 2018 after his body was lying in a drainage ditch.
Tyler's parents, Sandy Halsne and Keith Smith, have been pushing for justice and trying to piece together how their only child died.
The 6th annual Tyler "Smitty" Smith 5K and fundraiser will be held Sunday, Sept. 15, in Tyler's hometown of Rochelle.
"For 23 years, he lived his life to the fullest," Sandy said. "We want to continue to do that in his memory. So many tragic things have happened in the last six years, that we want to continue his legacy of helping others."
Money raised during the activities will be given back to the community through scholarships, military/police-related functions and schools.
"We're helping people in his name, which means it's huge," mother Sandy said. "It really warms your heart knowing that he's still here in spirit, his spirit and the person he was still living to this day."
For more details on when, where and how to sign up, click here. The deadline to purchase with a t-shirt is Aug. 31 for $40. However, the sign-up portion is also allowed the day of the race and the price drops to $25 with lunch.
For the most recent information of the investigation surrounding the case, click here. Illinois State Police has an active, ongoing investigation surrounding the case. A reward fund is at around $100,000 for any leads that solve the case. Anyone with any information on the case is asked to contact Illinois State Police Special Agent Luke Kuehl at 815-632-4010.