Update (4:09 pm): Tabitha Carner will be handing out balloons at 8 pm, as she is estimating the Kennedy’s to be arriving around 8:30 pm.
In a tragic accident on the weekend of October 4, 2025, Alton local Gunnar Kennedy died while hiking in Slovenia. After a week in Europe, Gunnar is coming home to Alton tonight some time (ETA is still to be decided). The community is invited to welcome him back home.
When Is It
The “Welcome Home, Gunnar Kennedy” event will be later tonight, October 17, 2025. The time has yet to be determined, but you can check out Tabitha Carner’s Facebook page as she will update it once she gets the ETA. It will be at the top of the school hill, Clary’s Funeral Home, and nearby streets.
What You Can Do
The community is invited to line the streets or gather along the route to show your love and support. Fifty balloons will be provided for the balloon release in Gunnar’s honor. If the arrival takes place after dark, you can bring a candle to join in the candlelight vigil. Your presence, prayers, and love, mean more than words can say to the Kennedy family.
Gunnar
Gunnar was a bright light- a son, a friend, and an adventurer whose spirit will live on in all who loved and knew him. Jace Heck, a friend of Gunnar’s posted: “I am so thankful for the positive impact that Gunnar left on my life and that I know he left on my others’. He will be so missed.“ [1]
Theta Delta Chi, the fraternity Gunnar was a part of, stated: “Gunnar was bigger than life, and very adventurous… He had a drive, an ambition about him, but was always careful to show humility as well… However terrible his day might have been, he knew where to recognize the good that came out of it.” [2]
GoFundMe
If you want to help the Kennedy family monetarily, a GoFundMe page has been set up. Whether you come tonight, pray for the Kennedy family, or donate money to the family, everything is appreciated.
