With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Courtney M. Drysdale, a 30-year-old woman from Momence, Illinois, whose life was tragically and unexpectedly taken. Her passing has left a profound sense of grief and disbelief among her family, friends, and the close-knit community she called home.
On Monday, shortly before noon, sheriff’s deputies responded to a local bar in rural Momence, near the Illinois–Indiana state line along Illinois Route 114, following a report of a possible deceased individual. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Courtney and, despite all efforts, she was pronounced deceased at the scene. In the hours that followed, investigators gathered evidence and determined that the circumstances surrounding her death warranted a homicide investigation. The case remains ongoing.
While the investigation seeks answers, those who knew Courtney are left grappling with a loss that feels both sudden and deeply painful.
Courtney M. Drysdale was more than the tragic circumstances surrounding her passing. She was a daughter, a friend, and a cherished member of the Momence community. At just 30 years old, she had a life filled with memories, relationships, and moments that mattered. Her presence, her voice, and her spirit were familiar to those around her, and her absence is felt in ways that words can scarcely describe.
Those closest to Courtney remember her as someone who carried her own story—one shaped by resilience, emotion, and genuine human connection. She mattered deeply to the people who loved her, and her life held value far beyond the details now being examined by investigators.
The shock of losing Courtney has rippled through the community, bringing together neighbors, friends, and loved ones in shared grief. In times like these, the search for truth and justice becomes intertwined with the need for compassion, remembrance, and support for those left behind.
Authorities continue to work diligently to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Courtney’s death. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office at (815) 802-7150. Those who wish to remain anonymous may reach out to Crime Stoppers at (815) 93-CRIME, where anonymous tips may be eligible for a cash reward. Even the smallest detail could help bring clarity and accountability.
Today, we pause to honor Courtney M. Drysdale—to speak her name, to acknowledge her life, and to remember her as more than a headline or an investigation. She was loved, she was known, and she will not be forgotten.
May Courtney rest in peace, and may her family, friends, and all who mourn her find strength, comfort, and support during this incredibly difficult time.