CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS – Yahacov Dennis, student of Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and a junior computer science major. The Charleston Police Department (CPD) confirmed that Dennis died on Saturday following a distressing incident at 200 W. Lincoln Ave., located near an Amoco gas station in Charleston, Illinois. He was 22.
According to a statement from the CPD, officers were dispatched to the location to conduct a well-being check after concerns were raised about Dennis. What started as a routine welfare check quickly escalated into a “rapidly evolving event,” during which an officer was disarmed. Police reported that Dennis came into possession of the officer’s firearm and tragically fired it toward himself.
Emergency medical services from the Charleston Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported Dennis to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The specific timeline of events and additional details surrounding the incident have not yet been disclosed by authorities.
The investigation into the circumstances of Dennis’s death is ongoing. The CPD is working alongside the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Zone 5 to determine the full details of what occurred. As of now, no body camera footage has been released to the public, and CPD has directed all inquiries to the DCI.
In response to the tragedy, Eastern Illinois University President Jay Gatrell issued a campus-wide email on Sunday morning, identifying Dennis and expressing deep condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. Gatrell emphasized that the university would not comment further while the investigation is active, out of respect for the process and those affected.
On Saturday night, a vigil was held in Lawson Hall on Eastern’s campus, where students, friends, and community members gathered to honor Dennis’s life. The vigil was an emotional gathering, with many people sharing memories of Dennis and offering their support to one another in this difficult time. Yahacov Dennis was described by those who knew him as a kind-hearted and dedicated student, with a bright future ahead of him. His loss has left a profound impact on those who had the privilege of calling him a friend.
The university has taken steps to provide mental health resources to help students and faculty cope with the tragedy. In his statement, Gatrell provided links to EIU’s counseling clinic, the dean of students office, and Togetherall, an anonymous mental health app that offers a safe space for students to seek support. Additionally, the email encouraged those struggling to reach out to the National Suicide Crisis Hotline, which can be accessed by calling or texting 988.
The death of Yahacov Dennis has shocked the EIU community, leaving many grappling with feelings of grief and loss. As the investigation continues, the university and local authorities are focusing on supporting those affected while respecting the privacy of Dennis’s loved ones.
For now, Eastern Illinois University remains united in its efforts to provide comfort and care to those mourning the loss of a beloved student. In the coming days, more information may become available as the investigation proceeds, but the focus remains on remembering Yahacov Dennis and honoring his memory.
As the community gathers in remembrance, there is a shared understanding that tragedies like this remind us all of the importance of reaching out for help during difficult times. Dennis’s life touched many, and his absence will be felt deeply across campus and beyond.