(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Suburban Congressman Sean Casten is sharing more information about the death of his 17-year-old daughter, Gwen.
Rep. Casten, D-Downers Grove, posted a message on social media this afternoon saying Gwen had gone out with friends Sunday night after dinner, said goodnight after getting home, texted a friend, went to bed -- and didn't wake up.
"There are no words to describe the hole in your heart when a child dies," the Congressman said.
Gwen, who had been an active student at Downers Grove North, was set to start her freshman year at the University of Vermont to study environmental science.
“… The only lesson we can take from that is to savor the moments you have with your loved ones,” Casten said in his post. “We want purpose. We want to believe in a brighter tomorrow. But the only thing we can control is our present.”
Casten said he and his family are grateful to people who have reached out with thoughts and condolences.
He has has served in the U.S. House since 2019 and is currently running for a third term in the newly drawn 6th District. The primary pits him against incumbent Rep. Marie Newman and challenger Charles Hughes.
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