Published: July 01, 2009 09:31 pm      

Vigil commemorates toddler's death

DANVILLE — Local family and friends are invited to commemorate the death of a young Tilton girl three years ago.

The third anniversary of the death of Reagan Williams will be recognized with a candlelight vigil slated for 7:30 tonight in the sanctuary of the Central Christian Church, 1101 N. Vermilion St.

The death of Williams on July 2, 2006, has been attributed by the county coroner’s office to shaken baby syndrome. Ryan Allhands of Tilton is scheduled to stand trial for the death later this month in Vermilion County Circuit Court.

According to Greg Williams, the toddler’s paternal grandfather, the event will celebrate the young girl’s life. In addition, information will be shared about shaken baby syndrome as well as the family’s advocacy efforts on the issue in east central Illinois.

Reagan’s Rescue, the organization formed by her grandparents, continues its work to raise awareness of shaken baby syndrome.