Newark Redhawks Softball Player Zoe Stechell Dies at 18, Leaving Her Parents and 3 Sisters

Zoe leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter.

January 16, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 16, 2026

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 2026 and began her first semester at Waubonsee Community College. She prepared to attend the University of Illinois at Chicago to be a nurse anesthetist.

Also, see: Lake Worth Softball Star Zach Hurley Faces Long Recovery After Tragic Motorcycle Accident

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.

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.

People also viewed: Chicopee, MA native and softball standout Nora Healy passes away in a car accident, survived by her son, Tyler, and Family

• Check other Articles on
• Newark Redhawks
• Zoe Stechell

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

Related articles

Homeowner Warns Parents After Late-Night Doorbell Prank...

May 1, 2026

Marine City, Michigan: Parents Raise Safety Concerns...

April 30, 2026

Massive Teen Fight at Six Flags St....

April 30, 2026

Kishwaukee College Graduate Ryan Todd, 28, Passes...

April 29, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Homeowner Warns Parents After Late-Night Doorbell Prank by Kids Caught on Ring Camera

- May 1, 20260 A homeowner’s warning about late-night doorbell pranks caught on a Ring camera has sparked a heated online debate, dividing opinions on parenting, childhood behavior,...Read more Coach

Former Carver High School Coach George Davis Dixon Passed Away At 90

- May 1, 20260 George Davis Dixon, a former coach from Waco, Texas, passed away at the age of 90. He was born on November 26, 1935, and lived...Read more Wrestling

Missouri Baptist University Spartans Wrestler Jaegar Hall Passes Away Leaving His Family!!!

- April 30, 20260 A freshman wrestler at the Missouri Baptist University Spartans tragically passed away. Jaegar Hall was a redshirt freshman wrestler who competed at the 141-pound weight...Read more News

Marine City, Michigan: Parents Raise Safety Concerns After Unauthorized Individual Threatens Teacher at School

- April 30, 20260 Tensions are rising among parents in Marine City after a troubling incident at the local middle and high school prompted concerns about student safety,...Read more News

Massive Teen Fight at Six Flags St. Louis Prompts Strict New Chaperone Policy

- April 30, 20260 A massive disturbance involving more than 100 teenagers at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka has led to a major policy change aimed at...Read more