Jacob Faltin-Medina Died: A Tribute to the Psychologist Who Passed Away in a Car Crash
Jacob Faltin-Medina, a psychologist at Tonica Grade School, died in a car accident on January 15, 2024. He was 34 years old. He is survived by his spouse, Sandro Faltin Medina.
The accident happened around 7:30 a.m. on Interstate 80 near Ottawa, Illinois. According to the Illinois State Police, Faltin-Medina was driving a 2016 Honda Civic westbound when he lost control of the vehicle and crossed the median. He collided head-on with a 2019 Ford F-150 truck that was traveling eastbound. The truck driver, a 45-year-old man from Peru, Illinois, was not injured. Faltin-Medina was pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but the police said that weather conditions may have been a factor. The area was experiencing heavy snow and strong winds at the time of the crash.
Faltin-Medina was a beloved member of the Tonica Grade School community, where he worked as a psychologist for the past four years. He was known for his compassion, kindness, and dedication to helping students with their academic, social, and emotional needs. He also served as a mentor and a coach for several extracurricular activities, such as chess, soccer, and basketball.
“He was a wonderful person and a great colleague. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He cared deeply about the students and their well-being. He was always there to listen, support, and guide them. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him,” said Jennifer Smith, the principal of Tonica Grade School.
Who Was Jacob Faltin-Medina?
Jacob Faltin-Medina was born on June 12, 1989, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Lincoln-Way East High School in 2007, where he was a star athlete and a student leader. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2011, and his master’s degree in school psychology from Northern Illinois University in 2014. He married Sandro Faltin Medina, his high school sweetheart. They moved to Ottawa, Illinois, in 2016, where they started their family.
Faltin-Medina was passionate about his profession and his hobbies. He loved to read, write, play guitar, and watch movies. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Bulls. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his partner, whom he adored.
“He was the best husband anyone could ask for. He was my soulmate and my best friend. He was always there for me. He made us laugh, he made us happy, he made us feel loved. He was our everything. I don’t know how we are going to live without him,” said Sandro Faltin Medina.
Faltin-Medina’s funeral service will be held on January 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa, Illinois. His visitation will be on January 19, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ottawa Funeral Home. His burial will be at the Oakwood Memorial Park.
The Tonica Grade School has set up a memorial fund in his name to support his family and honor his legacy. Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com site.
The school has also organized a candlelight vigil for Faltin-Medina on January 18, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the school’s gymnasium. The vigil will feature speeches, songs, and prayers from his colleagues, students, and family members. The school will also provide counseling and support services for the staff and students who are grieving his loss.
“Jacob Faltin-Medina was a bright light in our school and in our lives. He touched so many hearts and made a difference in so many ways. He was not only a psychologist, but also a friend, a teacher, a role model, and a hero. He left us too soon, but he left us with a legacy of love, hope, and kindness. We will always remember him and honor him,” said Smith.
