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Bartlett teen gifted, respected leader

A quiet leader respected by his peers, Michael DiGiovanni was remembered Monday by mourning South Elgin High School students and staff who learned of the teen's tragic death during Thanksgiving break.

The 17-year-old junior from Bartlett was accidentally shot and killed by a 14-year-old friend while hunting squirrel Wednesday morning in Ogle County, about 35 miles southwest of Rockford.

“This is a tragedy for all the families involved and we send our deepest sympathies,” Elgin Area School District U-46 spokesman John Heiderscheidt said. “It's absolutely devastating.”

The district activated its crisis team and sent over two additional social workers to assist South Elgin's counselors. Staff was debriefed before classes started and instructed to be on the lookout for students struggling to cope with the news.

Michael's parents, Michael and Elayne, asked for privacy Monday while they grieve.

At his parents' request, South Elgin Principal Melanie Meidel disclosed little Monday about Michael, but described him as a model student and a friend to everyone he met. He made the honor roll and was especially talented in the fields of machinery and engineering, enrolling in an advanced automotive elective.

Meanwhile, the Ogle County Sheriff's office continues its investigation, though the shooting appears to accidental and no laws are believed to have been broken, according to Sheriff Greg Beitel.

“There has been no contrary information to think this was anything other than just a terrible accident,” Beitel said.

Michael and his friends, ages 14 and 18, all carried valid Firearm Owners Identification Cards, he said. Illinois State Police requires a parent or legal guardian's signature for anyone applying for a FOID card under the age of 21.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources spokesman Chris McCloud said there is no minimum age for hunting. As long as the hunter obtains a FOID card and proper hunting permit, no adult supervision is required, though anyone born in 1980 or after must complete a hunter safety course.

After hunting a little and eating breakfast in nearby Byron Wednesday morning, the three teens started a small campfire in a clearing, sheriff's police said.

Beitel said the 14-year-old grabbed a 12-gauge Remington shotgun when he saw a squirrel in the distance then realized its muzzle was pointed in the direction of Michael, who was laying on the ground just a few feet away.

The gun went off when the teen went to change the gun's direction, striking Michael in the right chest area, the sheriff said.

Though the trigger isn't particularly sensitive, the 14-year-old was wearing gloves, which may have contributed to its accidental discharge, Beitel said.

Once the Ogle County Sheriff's office and Illinois Conservation Police wrap up their investigation, the case, as is standard practice, will be given to the state's attorney's office to decide whether any citations will be issued. Beitel doesn't expect charges, however.

Visitation for Michael will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Countryside Funeral Home, 950 S. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass at Resurrection Catholic Church, 30W350 Army Trail Road, Wayne.

Along with his parents, he is survived by his brother, Matthew, and grandparents, John and Valerie Plano and Michael and Joyce DiGiovanni. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins.