West Peoria Soldier Killed In Boating Accident

LAKEWOOD, WA — A 21-year-old from West Peoria was one of two killed in an apparent boating accident late Monday on American Lake near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Army has confirmed. Pvt. Jamanni Gibson, of West Peoria, and Pvt. Jacques Means, 22, of Killeen, Texas were killed in the incident.

According to the Army, the soldiers ventured out onto the lake on Monday evening. Shortly after that, there were reports of cries from help from the lake before military police responded to the scene and bean a search.

Both men were recovered from the lake early on March 20. The Army said Gibson enlisted in 2017, serving in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, since December 2017 as a motor transport operator. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Army Service Ribbon.

Read more via Lakewood, Washington Patch.

In May 2015, Peoria Public Schools congratulated the recent high school gradate and shared a link to a news story about the then-teenager's future plans, adding, "Best wishes to Manual's Jamanni Gibson and the class of 2015! We can't wait to see Jamanni's future successes and how he helps his home community after college!"

On his Facebook page, Gibson celebrated his assignment to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on Oct. 30, writing, "Looks like I'm headed west! Thrilled to be stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for my first assignment. Chicago has been unforgettable but I can't wait to call Seattle my next home!"

A YouCaring campaign has been created for Gibson's family, stating:

Jamanni Gibson was honestly one of the most selfless, caring, and intelligent person I have ever had the opportunity of calling a friend. The amount of lives he touched is more in twenty-one years than most people touch in their entire lives. Jamanni did it without asking for anything in return, it was something he honestly cared about. ... The funds will be given in full to the Gibson family to help take care of expenses and allow the family to spend time together in such a crucial time of grief. With the decision from the Gibson family as well to direct these funds toward a cause that Jamanni would want to contribute to. We will not let Jamani's spirit be forgotten, this will allow the same caring, and selfless act to be alive in the remembrance of Jamanni by the people he cared for.

Neal McNamara, Patch Staff, contributed to this article

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