Zoe Stechell, a softball player from the Newark Redhawks, passed away at the age of 18 on January 9, 2026, from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.
She dreamed of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Zoe Setchell’s journey in sports began early with Taekwondo and showed impressive dedication by earning a black belt.
She discovered a deep love for softball at the age of 9 and spent those formative years as a dedicated player for the Newark Redhawks Travel Softball Organization.
Playing alongside her teammates, the Redhawks became a close-knit community in her life. She forged lifelong friendships and developed greater confidence both on and off the field.
Zoe especially looked up to her coach, Zeke, whose guidance left a lasting impact.
She graduated from Yorkville High School in 2025 and began her first semester at Waubonsee Community College. She prepared to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago to be a nurse anesthetist.
We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of my sister, whose life was taken far too soon, and left a hole in our family that can never truly be filled. We love and miss you so much, Zoe. 🩷
Delanie Barbee
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Zoe Setchell’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss
Zoe Setchell lost her life from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident at the age of 18.
She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend.
Zoe Setchell, the daughter of Shannon (Evans) and Mark Setchell, was born on September 2, 2007, and grew up in Yorkville, Illinois.
She was known for her effortlessly beautiful presence, unique sense of style, and a smile that could light up a room. Her remarkable confidence, a deep kindness, and a comedic charm set her apart.
She carried a tender love for animals.
Zoe is survived by her loving parents, Shannon and Mark, and older sisters Bailey Knapp, Delanie (Calvin) Barbee, and Natilee Setchell.
She shared a close bond with her maternal aunt Andrea (Tim) Scott; paternal uncle Michael (Nina) Setchell; cousins Connor Scott, Alexandra, Henry, and Lauren Setchell; and niece, Nora Jade Barbee.
Likewise, she is lovingly remembered by her maternal grandmother, Gayle (Williams) Evans, and paternal grandparents, Karen and Larry Setchell.
On the other hand, she is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Richard Evans, and her cousin, Garrett Scott.
Zoe will forever live on in the hearts of her family, her teammates, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Instead of flowers, the Setchell family requests that donations be made to the GoFundMe page established in Zoe’s honor. It will be divided between Renko Animal Rescue in Yorkville and the Newark Redhawks organization.
Additionally, they established an annual nursing scholarship for graduating seniors from Yorkville High School who plan to attend the Waubonsee Community College Nursing Program.
This past Friday, my little sister, Zoe, passed away unexpectedly. My family and I created a gofundme page to raise money for a memorial scholarship in Zoe’s name, as well as a donation to two other organizations that were a part of Zoe’s life. Anything helps. Thank you. 🩷
Natilee Setchell
The Setchell family will hold a visitation from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Plano, Illinois.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Zoe’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the funeral home.
May Zoe Setchell’s beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.
