Jake Sherwin remembered for touching many lives
By Heather Ruenz
SLN staff
The Walworth community is dealing with a devastating loss following a crash early Sunday morning that took the life of a local teen.
Jacob “Jake” Sherwin, 19, of Walworth, died in a one-vehicle crash in the Town of Walworth, according to the Walworth County Sheriff’s office.
“Jake was a very talented young man in many areas. He was an outstanding musician who seemed to always enjoy what he was doing be it in class or on the stage performing. I don’t think I ever saw him personally without a big smile on his face,” Big Foot High School Principal Mike Hinske said Thursday morning.
“The other area that made an impression on me was his work in tech ed. He was very talented in working with machines and really enjoyed doing so. He had a plan for what he wanted to do after high school and was determined to do it,” Hinske added.
“We lost an outstanding young man. All of us that knew him will miss him.”
Within hours of the crash, community members took to Facebook, sharing messages of the loss of a young man who had clearly touched many lives, and also asking for support for Sherwin’s family during this trying time.
“The Fontana community stands in mourning this week as we lay to rest one of our own. Jake Sherwin will live on forever in the hearts and minds of his classmates, teachers, and Outdoor Education campers who he counseled. His quiet leadership and never failing smile touched so many lives in his short but wonderful life. You had a heart of gold, Jake! May you rest in peace,” the Fontana JT8 School District Facebook page states.
“It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to one of our own, taken way too soon! Jake Sherwin you will be missed greatly! God bless you and your family,” a representative of Big Foot Ball and Glove wrote in a post.
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church said Sherwin “has been called to heaven by our Lord. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sherwin family as they grieve the loss of Jake. May the peace of the Lord be with them.”
“It is with a heavy heart that the Wolves family has to announce the loss of Jake Sherwin. Jake always played with passion and heart and will not forgotten in our football family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today,” a representative from the Big Foot Wolves wrote.
Sherwin, who was driving a 2007 Chevy Silverado eastbound on Willow Bend Road, reportedly left the roadway, struck a tree and rolled over. The sheriff’s office received a report of the crash just before 3:40 a.m. on July 2.
Speed and lack of a seatbelt were contributing factors in the crash, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Sherwin, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:23 a.m. by a Walworth County Medical Examiner.
Other agencies that responded included Village of Walworth Police, Walworth Fire and EMS, Paratech Ambulance Service and Mercy MD1.
The crash remains under investigation.
The obituary for Sherwin was pending as of press time but a visitation will be held 3 to 7 p.m. on July 13 at Toynton Funeral Home, 328 Kenosha St., Walworth.
According to posts on Facebook, at the request of Sherwin’s parents, those planning to attend are asked to dress as Sherwin would, in “blue jeans, boots, camo, flannel… anything of that type.”
Such a tragedy. I remember his smile and easy going personality. Always willing to help with whatever someone needed. My deepest sympathies to his parents and family. Mama B