Gwen Casten 17-Year-Old Daughter of Rep. Sean Casten has died
On Monday, the office of Congressman Sean Casten of Illinois acknowledged through tweet the passing of Casten’s daughter, Gwen. She was 17 years old.
“The Casten family requests privacy, and we will be issuing no further comment during this heartbreaking time.”
Her cause of death was not updated by Casten’s office. On Monday, the Chicago-Tribune reported, police in Downers Grove were summoned to a residence “for an unresponsive seventeen year old female,” where “first responders determined that the subject was deceased.”
She graduated from Downers Grove North High School, and come September he would be attending the University of Vermont to major in environmental science. Her “big year.” of turning 18 was recently the subject of a political film she starred in to support her father’s reelection.
Gwen’s remark in the commercial: “Lots of milestones,” “Like voting for the first time. But not just for anyone … Sean Casten. My Congressman. But I just call him dad.”
The AAPI Student Union at her high school expressed its “heartbroken over the loss,” and the “key role” Gwen played “in bringing about positive change” in a recent Instagram post.
“Gwen was a leader and a friend … She was a highly accomplished student at North, being involved in various activities, from Changemakers, band, NHS, math team, and tennis, all while being on the high honor roll. Gwen and her father @repseancasten recognized the importance of protecting the environment and the dangers that arose if we kept polluting our planet.”
Gwen was an ally was “always there to help anyone in need and give a listening ear,” the club said, adding that she was “did whatever she could to support and amplify [People of Color’s] voices.”
“Carrying on her legacy means standing up for what you believe in, and going above and beyond to make the world a better place,” the post said. “Rest in peace Gwen.”
The Empowerment Club that Gwen started at her high school also posted a tribute to her on Instagram, saying, “There are no words that can begin to describe the loss we are feeling.”
Next up in the post: “Gwen, founder and leader of Empowerment Club, was cherished by all. Her hard work, determination, and beautiful personality were inspirations to everyone. She was so loved, and her incredible impact will live forever within our community. Thank you Gwen, for everything you have done to influence our lives and fill them with love and positivity. You were truly a force to be reckoned with. We will miss you.”
