Tyrus Evan Loring

It is with broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son, Tyrus Evan Loring.

Tyrus was born on June 3, 2002, in Freeport, Illinois. He attended Dakota High School in Dakota, Illinois, graduating with the Class of 2020.

Tyrus was my firstborn, and from the moment he entered this world, he changed mine forever.

For those who had the privilege of knowing Tyrus, you know just how truly wonderful, kind, and unique of a person and soul he was. One of his good friends described him in a way that captured him perfectly: Tyrus was unapologetically himself. There could not have been a more fitting description.

He was witty, brilliant, fiercely protective, and underneath it all, he had the biggest teddy-bear heart. Tyrus had a way about him that was entirely his own. He could make you laugh, surprise you with just how intelligent and thoughtful he was, and fiercely protect the people he loved.

Tyrus had an incredible curiosity about the world around him. He loved spending time with his family and friends, reading books and manga, going for walks and hiking, gaming, watching movies and television, and occasionally going out and enjoying himself with friends. His favorite television show was “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, and he had an appreciation for David Lynch films and other unique, unconventional movies.

He had a deep passion for music, philosophy, comedy, and history, with a particular interest in Japanese history. Tyrus loved learning, thinking deeply, and exploring subjects that interested him. He also loved the idea of traveling and sightseeing and often wished he had done more of both.

Tyrus was also a great cook and a big-time foodie. He loved trying new foods and discovering unique and diverse dishes, especially anything adventurous or, as we would lovingly say, “bougie.” Whether he was cooking something himself or experiencing a new dish, food was something he genuinely enjoyed and appreciated.

As his mom, I was always so happy that I had my son first before my daughters. There was something comforting about knowing they had a big brother who would look out for them, and Tyrus lived up to that. He loved his sisters and was fiercely protective of them.

I only wish we could have protected him.

There are simply no words big enough to describe the hole his absence has left behind. Our family is broken, and life will never be the same without him. He will be missed beyond measure and loved for the rest of our lives.

Tyrus is survived by his parents, Valery and Matthew Laughlin. Although Matthew was not Tyrus’s biological father, he was his dad in every way that mattered. He helped raise him, cared for him, loved him, worried about him, and stood beside him throughout his life. Matthew grieves and weeps for Tyrus as a father grieves for his son, because that is exactly what Tyrus was to him.

He is also survived by his sisters, Tru Loring, Catileya Winters, Isabella Laughlin, and Ava Laughlin. Tru was not only his sister, but for so many years growing up, his best friend and confidant. He also leaves behind his special friend and brother, Aiden Laughlin, with whom he shared a very special bond.

Tyrus is survived by his life partner, Jay, who shared a deeply meaningful and loving bond with him and was an important part of his life.

He is also survived by his biological father, Shawn Loring, and Chrissy Loring, as well as his siblings Alexis (Logan), Bailey (Ben), Hana (Jacob), Dentyn, Everly, and Tristynn, and his nieces Bella, Bindi, and Iris.

Tyrus also leaves behind his beloved grandparents, Janice Burris, Bryan Badger, Danny Loring, Sherry Loring, Rick Kreeger, and Vickie Kreeger, his great-grandmother Sharon Shenburger, and his special grandparent Melissa “Mimi” Laughlin.

He leaves behind his special uncle, Dominique Shipp, who helped raise Tyrus when he was little and played an important role in his early years, as well as his special aunts, Courtney Bowdry and Keanna White.

Tyrus is also survived by his aunt, Stacy Ferguson; his uncle, Jermaine Ferguson; and his cousins, Jevon Ferguson, Jayla Ferguson, Tre Ferguson, and Janessa Ferguson.

Tyrus was also blessed with a chosen family who loved him deeply. He leaves behind his longtime best friend, Angel Morales; Marlen Morales; and Linda Villa, who held a very special place in his heart and was truly a second mom to him; and Dulce Villa. Their friendship, love, and presence in his life meant more than words can express.

He is further survived by many loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends, as well as his beloved cat, Kittles, and his cat niece, Bean, who were special parts of his life and family.

Tyrus was preceded in death by his special friend, Jackie Villa; his uncle, Ron Floerke; and his great-grandparents, Margaret Badger, Valerie Floerke, Stanley Floerke, and Sheldon Shenburger.

Tyrus was loved by more people than I think he ever truly realized. In the days since losing him, hearing memories from his friends, classmates, and the people whose lives he touched has meant more than words can express. Every story gives us another little piece of him to hold onto and reminds us of the impact he made on so many people.

If you knew Tyrus, remember him for who he truly was: witty, brilliant, protective, thoughtful, funny, kind, deeply loving, completely unique, and always unapologetically himself.

He was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a partner, an uncle, a best friend, and so much more to so many people.

And to me, he will always be my firstborn, my son, and a piece of my heart that no one else could ever fill.

There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 2 pm at Walker Mortuary, followed by a service beginning at 4 pm.