Island Lake Girl Remembered As 'Charismatic, Sweet'

WAUCONDA, IL — A 9-year-old from Island Lake killed last week while staying over at her father's house is being remembered as a charismatic and sweet little girl.

Adrianna Anderson, a fourth grade student at Robert Crown School, had a smile that "warmed the hearts of all," according to a statement from the Wauconda Community Unit School District 118 Support Services team.

Her favorite color was lavender purple, and during Adrianna's Zoom classes, her cat and her hamster would make "surprise appearances," Jamie Salvatore, a family friend from Lake in the Hills, told Patch in an email.

Authorities believe the girl's father, Christopher Anderson, 36, fatally cut or stabbed his daughter before taking his own life late Wednesday or early Thursday at his home in the 100 block of Briar Ridge Lane in Lake Villa.

Adrianna typically stayed at her mom's house on weeknights, but her mother and father — who had dated at one point but never married — agreed to let her stay at her father's house on that particular night.

The next day, when Adrianna was not in attendance for school, her mother called Anderson several times. She then called the police.

"The family is overwhelmed with grief from their loss and deeply appreciative for all the support from family, friends, co-workers, and the community at large, both locally and nationally, who were touched by this tragic event,” said Salvatore, adding that friends are family are stressing the importance of respecting Adrianna's mother's privacy as she grieves.

Meanwhile, staff with CUSD District 118 have been offering extra support to students who are grieving. The support services team provided in-person and virtual sessions over the weekend.

"Be aware that your child may exhibit different emotions when they hear this news. One of the best ways to support your child in difficult times is to be a good listener. If he or she wants to talk, answer his or her questions simply and honestly and be prepared to answer the same question repeatedly," the District 118 support services team said in a statement last week.

"Our sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Adrianna."

Police continue to investigate the deaths as a murder-suicide, authorities said.

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by texting HOME to 741741.

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