Earon Criswell: A Loving Father's Farewell

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 11 PM, Earon Criswell was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound on Old State Road in Mattoon, Illinois, while walking home after enjoying time at Lake Mattoon. Following the incident, Earon was stabilized by EMTs and subsequently airlifted to Carle Hospital in Champaign.

By noon on Thursday, comprehensive tests revealed that Earon had swelling at the top of his brain, along with dissection of both carotid arteries. Additionally, he suffered several hairline fractures and a broken left leg. He was placed on a ventilator to assist with his breathing, and his leg was wrapped for support. Medical staff indicated that they would perform surgery on Saturday morning to relieve the pressure on his brain. The family left the hospital that night with a sense of hope.

However, early Friday morning around midnight, the family received a call regarding Earon’s condition. The swelling had progressed to the back of his brain, near the base of the skull, creating pressure on the medulla oblongata, which regulates heart rate and breathing. Further tests were conducted to assess Earon's ability to breathe independently. Unfortunately, after removing the ventilator, he struggled to breathe and had to be placed back on it shortly thereafter. Soon after, the medical team informed the family that Earon was brain dead, as there were no active responses such as pupil dilation or reflexes. With the continued swelling and its change in location, they could not relieve the pressure, which would eventually lead to the complete compression of the brainstem, halting his heart.

On July 26, 2025, around 4 PM, the heart-wrenching decision was made by Earon's immediate family, to remove the ventilator.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Earon had moved to Mattoon about a year ago in pursuit of a quieter, more peaceful life with his family. He was a hardworking and compassionate individual— a son, father, freshly new grandfather to a 10 mo. old,  brother, husband, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend— known for spreading love and selflessness, often prioritizing others over himself.

Above all, Earon was a devoted father. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his children. As mentioned, he was from Detroit, and the family aims to raise sufficient funds to bring him back home, for a proper burial & allowing his children to visit him as often as they wish.

In light of this unexpected tragedy, the family kindly asks for assistance to facilitate his return home and funeral arrangements. Any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this would also be greatly beneficial.

Thank you, and may God bless you.