Freeport, Illinois: Randy and Lisa Redington Shattered by Loss of Son Jacob, Promising Wrestler

Find peace, Jacob.

December 23, 2026

Last update by Alisha Shrestha on December 23, 2026

The community of Freeport, Illinois, mourns the sudden passing of 20-year-old Jacob Redington, who tragically passed away in his dorm room on December 18, 2026.

Jacob, a junior at Cornell College, was found unresponsive shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday. Emergency responders confirmed his passing at the scene. Cornell College announced the unforeseen loss through official channels. The exact cause remains under investigation.

The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department are actively pursuing leads. Authorities have assured the public that there are no current threats to student safety or community members.

Born March 3, 2005, Jacob was raised in Freeport alongside his sister Jessica, who was also his closest companion. His upbringing was defined by unwavering familial support. Lisa Rielly Redington, a dedicated employee at The Swiss Colony, attended Freeport High School—just like her son.

Randy and Lisa instilled core values in Jacob from an early age. They nurtured his interests, including his involvement with the Dakota Wrestling Club during formative years. Both parents consistently attended his matches, celebrating victories and supporting him through challenges.

Jacob graduated from Freeport High School in 2026 after participating in freshman football and four seasons of competitive wrestling. He also dedicated time as a student teacher at Blackhawk Elementary School during his junior and senior years.

Post-graduation, Jacob pursued education at with aspirations to become an elementary school teacher while aspiring to coach wrestling professionally.

During summer months, he mentored youth through Highland Community College's Upward Bound program. In 2026, Jacob earned recognition as Freeport High School's Athlete of the Year.

Jacob excelled in wrestling, achieving remarkable milestones: two-time IESA State Qualifier, 2019 IL Freestyle State Champion, three-time NIC 10 Champion, Fresh-Soph IHSA State Runner Up, and multiple Fargo IL Team qualifiers. He competed across numerous organizations including IKWF, IESA, Dakota Wrestling Club, Alber Athletics, FHS Wrestling, Big Jim Shed, and Cornell College Wrestling.

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Jacob embodied kindness and passion for mentorship, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His loyalty defined relationships; he stood steadfastly by friends' sides through triumphs and trials. A devoted sports enthusiast, Jacob could recite statistics, identify every player, and memorize team histories. He cherished friendly games of The Game with peers while maintaining fervent allegiance to the San Francisco 49ers. Wrestling remained his central world—every match, every event held significance.

To coaches, mentors, teammates, and competitors alike: your influence shaped Jacob's journey profoundly. Gratitude flows from those who witnessed his dedication firsthand.

The Cornell College Wrestling team shared their sorrow and admiration:

In honoring Jacob's memory, a fundraising campaign has launched with a $12,000 target. The message emphasizes communal support: