Schools

Tri-Cities Teen Found Dead in Elburn Home

The 2012 high-school graduate was known for his activism and leadership on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.

A Tri-Cities resident and Elgin Community College student was found dead Tuesday in an Elburn home, according to media reports.

Michael D. Fairbanks, 19, whose last known address was in the 1700 block of Jeanette Avenue in St. Charles, was found unresponsive in a home in the 300 block of West Nebraska Street, the Kane County Chronicle reports. Paramedics responded to the home at about 3:35 p.m. where he was dead at the scene.

Authorities told the Chronicle that no foul play is suspected in Fairbanks' death. Police continue to investigate the death, which was being mourned by many who remembered his kindness, activism and leadership.

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Fairbanks was Youth Leader of the Year in 2009 for his work with the Youth Outlook, an organization founded in DuPage County to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth, according the Chronicle.

The January 2012 graduate also was a leader of the Gay Straight Alliance at St. Charles East High School, where a social worker told the Chronicle his efforts spotlighted such issues as diversity and bullying. He also had been active in the Fox Valley Repertory.

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