Mt. Morris Tragedy: Oregon High School Mourns the Loss of Beloved Staff Member Cameron Pasley
Mt. Morris, IL — A community grieves, questions linger, and hearts remain heavy.
The calm of a quiet neighborhood was shattered when gunshots rang out at Apartment 13 in Mt. Morris. Inside, Cameron Pasley, just 25 years old and a staff member at Oregon High School, lay critically injured from multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies arrived quickly, but it was already too late. Pasley was rushed to Saint Katharine Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspect, Derek Swanlund, 44, was apprehended not far from the scene by Ogle County Sheriff’s deputies. At this time, the motive behind the fatal shooting remains unclear, and investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led to this senseless act of violence. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the relationship—if any—between the two men.
Cameron Pasley’s death has sent shockwaves through Oregon High School and the broader educational community. Known for his dedication, positivity, and strong rapport with students, Cameron was not just a colleague—he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend. His absence leaves an emotional void that cannot be filled.
Administrators from the school released a statement expressing heartbreak and support:
“We are devastated by the loss of Cameron, who brought such warmth and spirit to our school family. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and we are providing counseling support for students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.”
Vigils and memorials are already being planned to celebrate Cameron’s life, and donations are being organized to assist his family with funeral costs and to honor his legacy through educational initiatives.
As the investigation continues, many in Mt. Morris and surrounding areas are left grappling with sorrow and confusion. Why this happened may take time to understand—if ever—but what remains certain is the impact Cameron had in his short time on Earth.
We extend our deepest condolences to Cameron’s family, friends, students, and all who knew him. May his memory serve as a reminder of the lives educators touch every day, and may justice bring some measure of closure in the weeks to come.
Rest in peace, Cameron Pasley. Your light lives on in every life you helped shape.
#MtMorris #OregonHighSchool #CameronPasley #DerekSwanlund #OgleCounty #SchoolCommunityMourning #InMemoriam
Mt. Morris, IL — A community grieves, questions linger, and hearts remain heavy.
The calm of a quiet neighborhood was shattered when gunshots rang out at Apartment 13 in Mt. Morris. Inside, Cameron Pasley, just 25 years old and a staff member at Oregon High School, lay critically injured from multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies arrived quickly, but it was already too late. Pasley was rushed to Saint Katharine Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspect, Derek Swanlund, 44, was apprehended not far from the scene by Ogle County Sheriff’s deputies. At this time, the motive behind the fatal shooting remains unclear, and investigators are continuing to piece together the events that led to this senseless act of violence. Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the relationship—if any—between the two men.
Cameron Pasley’s death has sent shockwaves through Oregon High School and the broader educational community. Known for his dedication, positivity, and strong rapport with students, Cameron was not just a colleague—he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend. His absence leaves an emotional void that cannot be filled.
Administrators from the school released a statement expressing heartbreak and support:
“We are devastated by the loss of Cameron, who brought such warmth and spirit to our school family. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and we are providing counseling support for students and staff during this incredibly difficult time.”
Vigils and memorials are already being planned to celebrate Cameron’s life, and donations are being organized to assist his family with funeral costs and to honor his legacy through educational initiatives.
As the investigation continues, many in Mt. Morris and surrounding areas are left grappling with sorrow and confusion. Why this happened may take time to understand—if ever—but what remains certain is the impact Cameron had in his short time on Earth.
We extend our deepest condolences to Cameron’s family, friends, students, and all who knew him. May his memory serve as a reminder of the lives educators touch every day, and may justice bring some measure of closure in the weeks to come.
Rest in peace, Cameron Pasley. Your light lives on in every life you helped shape.
#MtMorris #OregonHighSchool #CameronPasley #DerekSwanlund #OgleCounty #SchoolCommunityMourning #InMemoriam