Funeral services were held on Saturday for a Wauconda police officer, whose family says his dream job was being an officer, after he died earlier this week following mental health struggles.
The Wauconda Police Department announced that Officer Christian Pascente, who was 31, unexpectedly died on Monday.
The police department said Monday evening that it was with “deep sadness” to announce Pascente’s death.
He died earlier in the day on Monday and his passing was unexpected, police officials said.
Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton said Pascente was rushed to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville from his home on Fairview Lane in McHenry.
He was pronounced dead in the emergency room after arriving.
Police officials said Wednesday that his death was by suicide and did not occur on-duty. Newton said it is the seventh suicide his office has investigated in 2026.
“His passing is a heartbreaking reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, including those who dedicate their lives to serving others. We encourage anyone who may be struggling to reach out for help,” the department said in a statement.
“We especially encourage our fellow first responders and members of the law enforcement community to seek support when they need it,” the department added.
An obituary for Pascente said he graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
He “fulfilled his dream” when he joined the Wauconda Police Department to serve and protect the community, his family said in the obituary.
Pascente joined the department on September 6, 2022, and quickly became a valued member of the team, the department said. He began his field training in December 2022.
“In his time with the department, he served our community with dedication, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping others. He was respected by his fellow officers and appreciated by the community he proudly served,” police officials said.
The department said the loss of a member of their law enforcement family is “deeply felt by all of us, as well as by those who knew and cared about Officer Pascente.”
Police officials say they are asking the public to keep Pascente’s family, friends and department in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate the loss together.
A visitation was held from 12-4 p.m. Saturday at the Wauconda High School, 555 North Main Street. A police walk-through was held at 3 p.m. and the memorial service followed at 4 p.m.
Members of the public were invited to attend the service, which saw a major law enforcement turnout.
Pascente was preceded in death by two of his brothers. He leaves behind his parents, a brother and many other family members.
His death drew a litany of first responders to react, including the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the McHenry Police Department, which said it extends its “heartfelt condolences” to the Wauconda Police Department as they grieve the loss of Pascente.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” the McHenry Police Department said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Officers at Wauconda Police Department. We stand with you in your time of grieving,” the Wauconda Fire District said.
McHenry County Circuit Clerk Katherine Keefe said Pascente was “such a wonderful young man” and her “condolences go out to his family, friends and the department.”
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Frontline Care Center — operated by Nicasa Behavioral Health Services.
The Frontline Care Center is a behavioral wellness center in Lake County dedicated to serving first responders, veterans of the armed forces, active duty, reservists and their families who are experiencing mental health challenges and overwhelming symptoms.
Anyone who knows someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide can get confidential help 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.