A 16-year-old student-athlete at Elida High School, Kenny Schultheis, passed away in a fatal shooting on August 14, 2025, as confirmed by the Lima Police Department.
Thus far, the Lima Police Department has not released further details about the circumstances of the shooting.
Kenny was set to be a junior at Elida High School; however, the young athlete lost his life to a tragic shooting.
Above all, he was baptised 2 weeks before he passed away.
Kenny Schultheis is survived by his mother, Kacie Cochren Montano and Jayson Montano, sister Sophia Schultheis, and grandmother, Brenda.
A GoFundMe campaign was created to help his family with the funeral costs, which has already crossed its target of $10K.
Kenny was a multi-sport athlete, as he played football and wrestled for Coach Nathan Kreider.
His coach, Kreider, expressed his condolences, saying:
Kenny was a great kid, always upbeat and positive. My prayers go out to his family, friends, and community.
Angela Christine, one of his teachers, wrote a brief eulogy which reads:
Kenny was an AMAZING young man! Loved having him as a student. Loved watching him on the mat 🧡🤼🖤. He was the kind of kid/student that you wish you had an entire classroom full of. For the past two years I bet I talked to him every day at school and many days after school during wrestling season. This entire situation and his passing has me devastated 💔😭
Angela Christine
Likewise, Loren, a close family friend who considered the Montanos her second family, shared her grief on social media, writing,
Today the world lost a great kid. My heart is so broken for my second family. Kenny Schultheis, you are so loved. I’m so sorry.
Elida Local Schools wrote:
It is with much sadness that we report the death of another one of our students much too soon. This morning we were informed that Kenny Schultheis, who was to be a junior this year at Elida High School, has passed away.
Elida Local Schools
During this difficult time, we pray for the strength of Kenny Schultheis’ parents, friends, teammates, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Kenny Schultheis!
