Deven Lane: Missing 18-yr-old University of Illinois student found dead, remembered as 'vibrant energy'

Earlier, when Lane was missing, his cousin named Kelsie Fletcher shared a post on Facebook that said, “PSA TO THOSE WHO ARE MAKING COMMENTS ABOUT MY FAMILY AND I LOOKING FOR Deven Lane. We know he’s 18 and considered to be an adult and he can do “whatever” he wants, but that is no one’s business! This is our family member who is MISSING now for five days. 

“IF ANYONE HAS AN ISSUE WITH IT KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF. Those who are making comments are the ones who have NO CLUE what is actually going on. They just know the things that have been switched around going up the grape vine. Now those who have been helping us we appreciate y’all so much. Those who are making comments stop because y’all aren’t doing anything besides making yourself look stupid.”

Later, after Lane was declared dead, Fletcher shared, “My heart is broken. I can’t believe this at all. You are such an amazing person. You are funny, caring, and SO smart. I love you so much Dev, forever and always. ❤️😞 Till we meet again, Dev.”

An obituary for the teenager read, “A visitation for Deven will be held Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N University St, Peoria, Illinois 61604.” It also included several tributary messages for him with a person saying, “Deven I love you bro you always knew how to make me laugh when I had my darkest days your energy was so vibrant it lit up a whole room the smile was from ear to ear I’ll see you soon.”

Another person wrote, “I've known Deven since 5th grade at Washington. I'm so sorry that this was so sudden and I am sorry for your loss in general. He was always funny and made everyone around him laugh. I just wanted you to know he is remembered fondly. My family and I are praying for you. I can't imagine. I'm so sorry.” The third one added, “Deven you were one of my only friends at college and I want to thank you for all of the memories that we shared. You were so easy to talk to and hangout with and I will cherish all of our memories.

“I hope to see you again and I know you are at peace in heaven🤍. I will never forget you and I miss you, you are loved and cherished by so many your memory will live on forever. Love, Charlotte 🫶🏻”

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has also been started to help raise money for Lane’s family. A message there read, “My name is Trisha Collins, and I am a friend of Deven's family. Chad and Mandy's beloved son passed away on November 9, 2022. Deven was a sweet, kind young man who was loved by many and adored by his parents. As they mourn his loss, they must also begin funeral preparations. I would like to ask the community to come together to help Deven's parents with this expense. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated.”