It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we remember and honor the life of Makenna M. Maurisak, a beloved 24-year-old woman from Manhattan, Illinois, whose life was tragically cut short following a motor vehicle crash.
According to the Office of the Will County Coroner, under the direction of Coroner Laurie H. Summers, Makenna was pronounced deceased at 11:35 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the scene of the crash on eastbound Manhattan–Monee Road near Schoolhouse Road in Manhattan Township. The incident has left her family, friends, and the greater community grieving an unimaginable loss.
Makenna’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be. At just 24 years old, she stood at the threshold of her future, with dreams yet to be fulfilled and milestones still ahead. Those who knew Makenna remember her as someone whose presence mattered—someone who was deeply loved and whose absence will forever be felt by all who shared in her life.
The Illinois State Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Friday, January 16, 2026. The final cause and manner of death will be determined following the completion of the autopsy, along with police findings and toxicological reports.
As this investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring Makenna’s life and supporting those who are mourning her loss. Her family now carries the burden of profound grief, and they are surrounded by a community that shares in their sorrow and stands with them during this painful time.
Makenna M. Maurisak will be remembered not for the tragedy of her passing, but for the life she lived and the love she gave. Her memory will endure in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who knew her. May she be remembered with compassion, spoken of with love, and forever held close in the memories of those whose lives she touched.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Makenna’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. May she rest in peace, and may her family find strength and comfort in the outpouring of love surrounding them.