McLean County first responders mourn ‘rising star’ lost to cancer

EL PASO (25News Now) - A young man serving others in Central Illinois has died after battling an aggressive and dangerous illness.

Ethan Jeffreys of El Paso was a rising EMS star, as described by his former co-workers. He served more than just his hometown but also the Town of Normal and his country.

The 23-year-old died Monday morning after fighting stomach cancer for less than two years.

Ethan chose the life of service at a very young age.

Immediately after graduating high school, he joined the United States Army National Guard, where he received his Emergency Medical Technician license. With that certification, he joined the El Paso Emergency Squad at age 20.

“Ethan was very enthusiastic. [He] definitely had a different maturity level and different energy level than we normally get,” said shift supervisor Thad Mool. “He was fun.”

Ethan left El Paso in 2023 to further his career with the Normal Fire Department but found out about his stomach cancer soon after that.

According to the American Cancer Society, people battling the disease are 36% as likely to live at least five years after their diagnosis. On average, most people are diagnosed with stomach cancer when they are 68.

“Nothing truly prepares you for the end,” said Mool. “We lost a 23-year-old, young, bright, kind of a rising star in EMS, and he’ll never be replaced.”

While Ethan left a hole in El Paso and Normal, those who worked with him cherish their memories.

In El Paso, people who knew Ethan would sit in the kitchen and remember all the venison and fried rice he cooked. Ethan was so tall that he towered over others while sitting on his knees on a bar stool.

Most of all, they honor Ethan for his commitment to others.

“I think it’s something you’re born with when you want to serve others, I really do. Cancer just cut it short, unfortunately,” said EMS Chief Jeannie Mekley.

“This is a very difficult time for Ethan’s family and friends, and for everyone that knew him. Our thoughts are with them this week as we prepare to pay tribute to Ethan and the life of service that he lived,” said Normal Fire Department Spokesperson.

Ethan’s visitation is this Friday at 4 p.m. at Christ Community Church in Gridley. He’ll be buried Saturday morning in El Paso’s Evergreen Cemetery, where he will receive full honors from the National Guard and Normal Fire Department.

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