Illinois High School Honors Teen After Deadly Farm Accident

An Illinois community is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old from Virden on August 12, who reportedly died following a farm implement accident. 

According to news reports, the high schooler, Nolan C. Kiel, was operating a piece of farm equipment when the incident occurred about 25 miles outside of Springfield. 

When officials arrived on scene, the teenager was pronounced dead at 11:56 a.m. by Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya, as reported by WLDS. Kiel was reportedly operating farm equipment when the accident took place. 

No other vehicles were involved. Emergency responders from multiple local agencies — including the Virden Fire Department, Virden Police Department, Prairieland Ambulance Service, Girard Fire Department, Auburn Fire Department, and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department — were dispatched to the scene.

A preliminary autopsy conducted the following day determined that Kiel died from asphyxiation. The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department and the coroner’s office are continuing their investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.

The school district had announced the death of Kiel on its Facebook page. “Nolan will be remembered by the North Mac community as always possessing a positive attitude and friendly demeanor,” the announcement said. Kiel was entering his junior year and was a well-known student-athlete with the school’s soccer team.

Kiel was an active member of the North Mac sports community, playing soccer and running track. His soccer coach and physical education teacher, Bryan Lambdin, remembered him warmly: “Nolan was the nicest kid. He always had a positive attitude and was a great teammate.”

The high school hosted a large candlelight vigil on August 13, where classmates, staff, and community members gathered to share memories and pay tribute. Counselors will be available for students when classes resume on August 18.

The team and school community have asked for continued prayers for his family, friends, and teammates during this heartbreaking time. The hashtags #Play4Nolan is being used by his teammates.