Christopher Hamilton Ruckman
Age 14
Cherry Valley, Illinois
Guitar prodigy’s musical rise cut short
He had a passion for guitar playing; family and even acquaintances called him a prodigy. Whether it was on his YouTube channel or on stage, his love for music was loud and clear.
His mother said he “got every guitar and every amp he asked for.” He told her, “Instead of a car, I’ll take a guitar.” He was excited about his school’s upcoming jazz band concert.
Christopher Hamilton Ruckman, 14, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head in his home in Cherry Valley, Illinois, on March 3, 2018. Also killed: his 12-year-old brother. Authorities believe their father shot them, then himself.
