Ayden Hendrickson

Ayden Riley Hendrickson, age 19, passed away tragically on March 6, 2026.

Ayden was born on January 11, 2007, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Jeffrey Hendrickson and Heather Pugh. From the very beginning, he brought energy, laughter, and a strong spirit to those around him—a presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ayden was a proud athlete who played for the Collinsville Raiders and later continued his passion for sports at Collinsville High School, where he played football and ran track for the Kahoks. Whether on the field or the track, he gave his all and formed lasting friendships along the way.

Outside of sports, Ayden had a wide range of interests. He loved music of all kinds, curating playlists that could shift from one genre to another in an instant. He enjoyed going to concerts, playing video games, traveling, and spending time with his family—especially during game nights filled with laughter and friendly competition. Ayden also had a deep interest in history, particularly World War II, and could often be found learning something new about the past.

Above all, Ayden’s greatest love was his family. He was fiercely protective, especially of his sister, Sophia, whom he adored. His loyalty, love, and sense of responsibility toward those closest to him were defining parts of who he was. Ayden had big dreams for his future, aspiring to become a police officer and one day serve on a SWAT team, driven by his desire to protect and help others.

He will be remembered for his sharp sense of humor, his sarcasm, and his easygoing nature that made people feel comfortable and welcomed. Ayden was also working as an apprentice mechanic at Boeing, where he was building skills and a future he was excited about.

Ayden is survived by his loving parents, Jeffrey Hendrickson and Heather Pugh; his beloved sister, Sophia; his grandmother Gail (Carla) Terry; grandfather Steven Pugh; grandparents Connie and Tim Hendrickson; his aunts Brittany Kuechle and Mary (John) Fisher; his uncle Matt (Meghan) Hendrickson; and many cousins, extended family members, and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon. A private funeral service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Though his time here was far too short, Ayden’s impact was immeasurable. His memory will live on in the lives he touched, the love he gave, and the countless moments that will never be forgotten.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home