Faith McCullough m’Death: Tragic Accident Claims Life of 19-Year-Old Pre-Med Student Faith McCullough; Shear Madness Community Mourns the Loss”
Newton, Illinois, a tight-knit community, was plunged into mourning on September 27, 2024, when news broke of a tragic accident that claimed the life of 19-year-old Faith McCullough. Known for her vivacious personality, work ethic, and dreams of becoming a physician, Faith’s untimely passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her.
Faith McCullough was not just another young adult embarking on her life journey; she was a standout student, an ambitious healthcare worker, a beloved daughter, and a friend to many. Her tragic death has sent shockwaves through the communities she touched, including Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Eastern Illinois University (EIU), and the Shear Madness salon community, where her mother Maryah McCullough works. The small-town charm of Newton, where life seems to move a little slower, now faces an overwhelming sadness.
The Accident
While details about the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal accident remain unclear, what is known is that Faith lost her life suddenly on September 27th. Local authorities are still investigating the accident, and updates are expected as more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on the legacy of a young woman whose future was brimming with promise.
Faith, who recently started her college journey as a pre-med student at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), was the pride and joy of her family. She had earned a full-ride scholarship to the university, a testament to her academic brilliance and commitment to pursuing a career in medicine. Despite her young age, Faith had already carved out a meaningful path, balancing the demanding roles of a full-time student and a healthcare worker at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
Her drive and dedication to improving the lives of others through medicine were unmistakable. Having recently graduated from Health Occupations as a senior in high school, Faith was well on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a doctor. She had just started to embark on her journey in the medical field, eager to contribute to society in a meaningful way.
A Promising Future, Now Gone
Faith’s story is one of potential, determination, and an unwavering commitment to serve others. Graduating from Newton Community High School just a year prior, Faith was already ahead of many of her peers, balancing her academic commitments with a full-time position at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, a regional hospital where she made a significant impact. Colleagues remember her as a bright light, full of energy and always willing to help others, whether through patient care or a simple conversation that lifted someone’s spirits.
As a pre-med student at EIU, Faith demonstrated her passion for healthcare early on. Her academic success secured her a full scholarship, an achievement that symbolized the bright future ahead of her. Many of her professors and peers at EIU have expressed their grief, sharing fond memories of Faith’s involvement in academic discussions, her natural curiosity, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met.
“She was the kind of student who brought out the best in others,” said one of her professors. “She wasn’t just here to learn for herself. She was committed to using her education to help others, whether it was in the classroom or later, as she pursued her career in medicine.”
But beyond the titles of “student” and “healthcare worker,” Faith was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. Her close relationship with her mother, Maryah McCullough, and her younger sister, Makya, was well known in the community. Together, they formed a tight-knit family unit, supporting one another through life’s challenges. The loss of Faith has devastated her family, leaving them to grapple with the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one so young.
The Impact of Faith’s Passing
The Shear Madness community, where Faith’s mother Maryah works, has been particularly impacted by her death. The salon has become a second home for many of its employees and clients, fostering a sense of community and family among those who walk through its doors. Upon hearing the news of Faith’s accident, the salon quickly rallied to offer their support to Maryah and her family.
In a heartfelt message posted on their social media pages, Shear Madness shared the heartbreaking news with the community:
“It is with greatest sympathy that we announce a passing in the Shear Madness family. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague, Maryah McCullough. Her daughter, Faith McCullough, 19, passed away in a tragic accident on September 27th. She was currently working full-time at Sarah Bush Hospital while starting her pre-med education at EIU, in which she received a full ride. She graduated from Health Occ as a Senior in high school last year. Faith had a bright future ahead of her. Please pray for Maryah, her daughter, Makya, and all other family members.”
The message resonated deeply with the community, sparking an outpouring of sympathy and support for the McCullough family. Friends, coworkers, and acquaintances shared their condolences, recounting stories of Faith’s kindness, her work ethic, and her plans to make a difference in the world through medicine. For many, Faith represented hope and the promise of a better tomorrow—qualities that make her loss even more difficult to comprehend.
The Role of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
Faith’s role at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center was another pivotal aspect of her life. She was known for her dedication to patient care and her desire to learn more about the medical field. Her coworkers remember her as a compassionate individual who always went above and beyond to make patients feel comfortable. It was this compassion that fueled her desire to pursue a career in medicine, a career that she was only just beginning.
In a statement from the hospital, her coworkers expressed their grief over her loss:
“Faith was an incredible part of our team at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. She brought warmth and empathy to her role, and her loss is being deeply felt by her coworkers and the patients she cared for. Our hearts go out to her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The statement echoed the sentiments of so many who had the privilege of working alongside Faith. For those at the hospital, her death has served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring each moment.
A Family’s Heartbreak
For Faith’s mother, Maryah, and her sister, Makya, the pain of losing Faith is unimaginable. The bond they shared as a family was unbreakable, and now, they are left to navigate a world without her. Friends and family have rallied around them, offering support in the form of prayers, financial assistance, and other means to ease their burden in this time of loss.
Maryah, who has been a long-time member of the Shear Madness team, is now leaning on her work family for support. The salon has set up a collection for donations to help the McCullough family cover expenses related to Faith’s passing. In addition to accepting cash donations at the salon, they have also set up a Venmo account for anyone wishing to contribute to the family’s needs.
“Please pray for Maryah, her daughter, Makya, and all other family members during this incredibly difficult time,” reads the message from Shear Madness.
The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with many sharing stories about Faith and how she touched their lives. Her friends from high school, college, and work have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing pictures, videos, and fond memories of Faith’s time with them.
A Legacy of Hope and Kindness
Though Faith’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy remains. She was a young woman who cared deeply for others, who sought to make the world a better place, and who worked tirelessly to achieve her goals. In her 19 years, Faith managed to leave an indelible mark on those who knew her, and her memory will live on through the stories and actions of those she touched.
The loss of someone so young is always difficult to process, but in Faith’s case, her passing serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and dedication to one’s dreams. Her life, though brief, was one of purpose. And while her family and friends continue to mourn her loss, they will also remember the light she brought into their lives.
As the community continues to grapple with the loss of such a promising young life, they will no doubt carry Faith’s spirit with them. Her dreams of becoming a doctor may have been cut short, but the impact she made in her short time on Earth will not be forgotten.
For now, the McCullough family is asking for privacy as they continue to grieve. Donations for the family can be made via Venmo or in person at Shear Madness salon. The community will continue to honor Faith’s memory in the days, weeks, and years to come, ensuring that her legacy lives on.
Rest in peace, Faith McCullough, 2005–2024.