The Legacy Of Timothy Fogt: 5 Key Facts About The Beloved Tinley Park Teacher And His Daughter's Mental Health Advocacy

The community of Tinley Park and Romeoville was left in shock in June 2025 following the tragic death of Timothy W. Fogt, a cherished 5th-grade teacher whose life was celebrated for his dedication to education and his students. Mr. Fogt, a 50-year-old resident of Tinley Park, was reported missing after attending a concert at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, an event that led to a heartbreaking discovery and, subsequently, a powerful new movement for mental health awareness led by his family. The details surrounding the incident, while deeply sensitive, have galvanized those who knew him to honor his memory by supporting his family and continuing his legacy of care and compassion.

The story of Timothy Fogt is not just one of tragedy, but of the profound impact a dedicated educator can have, and the courage of his daughter, Lauryn Fogt, who immediately stepped forward to turn a personal loss into a public call for change. This article delves into the life and legacy of the beloved teacher, the specific circumstances of the Tinley Park incident, and the vital advocacy work that is now defining his memory.

Timothy W. Fogt: A Life Dedicated to Education and Family

Timothy W. Fogt was a figure of respect and affection in the Romeoville and Tinley Park communities. Born on March 26, 1975, his professional life was centered around the classroom, where he was known for his passion and innovative approach to teaching.

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• Full Name: Timothy W. Fogt
• Date of Birth: March 26, 1975
• Age at Death: 50
• Hometown: Tinley Park, Illinois
• Primary Profession: 5th Grade Teacher
• School: Kenneth L. Hermansen Elementary School, Romeoville, IL
• Additional Roles: Worked with special education students, Security Guard in Tinley Park
• Academic/Extracurricular Contributions: Founded a chess club and belonged to the science club at his school.
• Parents: James Fogt and Laverne Fogt
• Children: Lauryn Fogt, Everleigh Fogt, and John Fogt
• Date of Passing: June 8, 2025

He was consistently described as a man "meant to be a teacher," a sentiment echoed by his students and colleagues. His dedication extended beyond standard curriculum, as evidenced by his involvement in the science club and his initiative to found a chess club, fostering critical thinking and community among his young students.

The Tragic Timeline: Missing from the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

The events leading up to Timothy Fogt’s passing began in the late hours of Saturday, June 7, 2025, following a concert at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park.

The Concert and Missing Person Report

Mr. Fogt attended the concert featuring Pierce The Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, and Beach Weather. He was last seen on foot leaving the venue, located near Oak Park Avenue, at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday night.

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When he did not return home, his family and the Tinley Park Police Department quickly raised the alarm, alerting the public to the missing person case. The search was intensive, as the community held onto hope for his safe return.

The Discovery and Official Findings

Tragically, the search ended on Sunday, June 8, 2025, when Timothy Fogt was found deceased.

Official reports confirmed that Mr. Fogt was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer (semi-truck) on Interstate 80 (I-80) eastbound, just west of Oak Park Avenue, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

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Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and the evidence gathered, authorities determined that the death was a suicide, and it was not classified as a hit-and-run accident. This clarification was important for the public and the family, providing a definitive, albeit painful, conclusion to the immediate events.

Lauryn Fogt’s Advocacy: Turning Grief into Mental Health Awareness

In the wake of such a devastating loss, Timothy Fogt's family chose to focus their energy on creating a positive, lasting impact in his honor. His daughter, Lauryn Fogt, has become the public face of this effort, transforming her grief into a powerful platform for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

This decision to speak openly about the circumstances of his death is a courageous step toward destigmatizing mental health struggles, particularly for men and those in care-giving professions like teaching.

The Call for Open Dialogue

Lauryn Fogt’s message emphasizes that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their outward success or beloved status in the community. By sharing her father's story, she aims to encourage others to seek help and for communities to foster more supportive environments.

Her advocacy focuses on the need for increased resources and better public understanding of mental illness, using her father's legacy as a beloved Romeoville teacher as a testament to the fact that internal struggles are often invisible to the outside world.

Community Support and GoFundMe

The outpouring of support from the communities of Tinley Park, Romeoville, and Kenneth L. Hermansen Elementary School was immediate and substantial. A GoFundMe campaign was quickly established to support Timothy Fogt’s two daughters, Lauryn Fogt and Everleigh Fogt, through this incredibly tough time.

The funds raised serve as a practical means of assistance and a tangible symbol of the community’s love and respect for Mr. Fogt and his family. This collective response highlights the deep connections he forged through his work as an educator and a security guard in Tinley Park.

Honoring Timothy Fogt’s Educational Legacy

The memory of Timothy Fogt continues to live on most vibrantly in the hearts of the students he taught. His tenure at Kenneth L. Hermansen Elementary School was marked by dedication and a genuine love for his 5th-grade students.

• The Beloved Teacher: Mr. Fogt was widely regarded as an exceptional teacher who made a lasting impression on his pupils. His colleagues noted his commitment to all students, including those in special education, demonstrating a holistic and inclusive approach to learning.
• Fostering Interests: His creation of the chess club and involvement with the science club show his commitment to making learning fun and engaging, helping students develop skills beyond the core curriculum.
• A Lasting Impact: The thousands of lives he touched as a teacher in Romeoville and as a community member in Tinley Park ensure that his legacy is one of compassion, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

The tragic circumstances of his death have only amplified the importance of his daughter's mental health advocacy, ensuring that Timothy Fogt’s story continues to serve as a beacon—not just for the joy he brought into the classroom, but for the crucial conversation his family is now leading.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please know that help is available. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States by calling or texting 988.