The Adams County community is in mourning following the untimely death of 22-year-old Jaden D. Gutting, a Mendon resident whose life was tragically cut short in a single-vehicle crash early Friday morning. The news of his passing has left family, friends, and neighbors devastated, as they remember Jaden for his warmth, ambition, and kind spirit.
According to Adams County Coroner Scott Graham, Jaden was the sole occupant of an SUV that veered off Highway 24 near Camp Point. Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly, but despite their efforts, Jaden was pronounced dead at the scene. His family was notified soon after, sparking an outpouring of grief across the Mendon community as loved ones grappled with the sudden and unexpected loss.
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
The crash occurred around 6:31 a.m. when deputies were dispatched to the scene after the SUV was spotted off the roadway between E 2000th and E 2100th Streets. Preliminary reports show the vehicle was traveling westbound on Highway 24 when it left the roadway, entered a ditch, and continued over nearby train tracks before coming to rest in a field. The crash caused significant damage, and investigators have yet to determine the exact cause of the vehicle’s drift off the road.
As the community processes the tragic loss, friends and family reflect on Jaden’s bright personality and joyful energy. Described as someone who could lift the spirits of everyone around him, Jaden’s kindness and steady presence made him well-loved by all who knew him. Family members speak of a future full of promise, now cut short far too soon.
Support continues to pour in from across Adams County, as neighbors stand by the Gutting family during this heartbreaking time. The impact of Jaden’s death extends beyond Mendon, as his kindness and positive energy left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the crash. Although no additional details have been released, officials are working to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident. The community remains united in its grief, holding Jaden’s family in their thoughts and prayers, as they remember a young life taken far too soon.