Illinois Rep. Sean Casten reveals new details about daughter’s death: ‘It was peaceful’

Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., issued a statement about the death of his daughter Gwen, including some words about how she lived her life and some details about the evening before she died.

Gwen Casten, 17, died Monday morning, according to the congressman’s office, and so far no cause of death has been revealed. Casten’s statement posted to Twitter Wednesday did not indicate that anything unusual had occurred before.

“She and her family had dinner on Sunday night. Then she went out for a few hours with friends. Casten stated that she said goodbye to Kara and I when she returned home. She also texted a friend to ensure she arrived home safely and wasn’t awake on Monday morning. “The only thing that we know about her passing is that it was peaceful. The only thing we can learn from this is to cherish the time you spend with our loved ones. We want purpose. We believe in a brighter future. However, we cannot control the future. “

Police in Downers Grove, Illinois, said they were called to the Casten home around 6: 48 a.m. for an unresponsive 17-year-old female and determined that she was deceased.

ILLINOIS CONGRESSMAN SEAN CASTEN ANNOUNCES DEATH OF HIS 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., released a statement discussing his 17-year-old daughter Gwen, who died Monday
(House of Representatives)

Gwen’s death comes as Casten is in the middle of seeking a third term in Congress in Illinois’ newly redrawn 6th district. Casten stated that there are no words to describe how the heart breaks when a child is gone. He described Gwen as “a happy, healthy, well adjusted young woman” who was preparing to start college at the University of Vermont in the fall.

He recalled her love of music and activism, specifically her performances with her school’s jazz band, wind ensemble, and pit orchestra, as well as her creation of a school Empowerment Club where she and fellow students dedicated their time to issues including gun violence, the environment, LGBTQ rights, Black Lives Matter rallies, and voter registration.

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“To all asking what they can do, we ask only that you live your lives as Gwen lived hers. Enjoy the moment. Casten said that you should use every ounce of your energy to ensure a better tomorrow. “Not because your tomorrow is certain, but because someone else’s will be. Lead with Love. “

Fox News’ Lorraine Taylor contributed to this report.