William James Thompson, 27, Mourned by Hunlock Creek Residents as Beloved Volunteer, Loyal Friend, and Lifelong Community Pillar Whose Unexpected Death Sparks Deep Grief and Collective Tribute in Luzerne County
HUNLOCK CREEK, PENNSYLVANIA — The small, close-knit community of Hunlock Creek, nestled along the banks of the Susquehanna River in Luzerne County, is grieving the heartbreaking and unexpected death of William James Thompson, a 27-year-old lifelong resident remembered for his warmth, his quiet strength, and his unwavering devotion to the people around him.
William, affectionately known to friends and family as “Will,” passed away under circumstances that, though not publicly detailed by the family, have sent waves of sorrow through not only his hometown but throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. From memorial vigils to heartfelt tributes shared online and in person, the people of Hunlock Creek are united in mourning a man many called “the soul of the community.”
Born in 1998 to John and Michelle Thompson, William James Thompson grew up in the wooded quiet of Hunlock Creek, a place known for its peaceful countryside and neighborly values. He was the youngest of three siblings and quickly earned a reputation as an affectionate and energetic child who loved animals, outdoor adventures, and people of all ages.
Will attended Northwest Area High School, where he excelled academically, played varsity baseball, and became active in student government and the environmental club. He graduated in 2016 and pursued a degree in environmental science at Luzerne County Community College, though he later shifted to working full-time in the trades, finding both fulfillment and flexibility in carpentry and landscaping projects that kept him close to home.
A Life of Giving: Volunteering, Service, and Unseen Acts of Goodness
William’s contributions to Hunlock Creek weren’t the kind that made headlines, but they were deeply felt. Whether it was serving hot meals at the Hunlock United Methodist Church Thanksgiving dinners, volunteering at the Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS Carnival, or helping neighbors with home repairs, Will was always ready to lend a hand—never seeking recognition.
“You didn’t have to ask Will twice,” said Pastor Ellen Ray, who knew him for over a decade. “He didn’t volunteer because it looked good—he did it because it was the right thing to do.”
His work with the Susquehanna Clean River Initiative, a local nonprofit focused on river cleanups and conservation efforts, also became a point of passion. Friends say he would spend weekends walking miles of riverbanks, collecting trash and restoring trails.
“He believed we owed it to nature and each other to leave the world better than we found it,” said Aaron Bliss, a close friend and fellow volunteer. “That was Will—always thinking beyond himself.”
A Quiet Hero to Many
Though soft-spoken, Will made lasting impressions. He was a loyal friend, a compassionate neighbor, and a patient mentor to younger kids in the area. Several high school students who knew him through community events spoke at a recent vigil, recalling moments when Will offered advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear.
“He didn’t judge anyone,” said Samantha Clarke, a local teen who knew him from a summer youth project. “He made you feel like you mattered.”
His humility was legendary. Many in the community were only now learning, after his death, of the extent of his quiet generosity—anonymous donations to local fundraisers, holiday gifts left on porches, bills paid for struggling families.
A Death That Shocked and Shook a Community
News of William’s sudden death spread quickly through Hunlock Creek and beyond. Within hours, tributes flooded social media, community bulletin boards, and church newsletters.
“He was a light in this town,” read one tribute. “It doesn’t feel like Hunlock Creek without him.”
While the family has chosen not to disclose specific details about the cause of death, close friends confirmed that William had recently experienced personal struggles. Yet none foresaw his passing, which many have described as “both sudden and deeply devastating.”
“We’re not just grieving a life lost too soon,” said Emily Hartranft, a childhood friend. “We’re grieving the loss of what he would have continued to be to all of us.”
Vigils, Tributes, and a Legacy in Action
On the evening following the announcement of his death, hundreds gathered at Campground Commons Park for a candlelight vigil. Friends, family, clergy, and neighbors formed a circle of light, sharing stories of how William touched their lives.
“We light these candles not just in memory of Will,” said Pastor Ray, “but in commitment to continue what he started.”
In addition, the William James Thompson Memorial Fund has been established by the Hunlock Creek Community Foundation to support the causes he championed, including environmental conservation, youth mentorship, and direct aid to families in need.
The fund’s first initiative, titled “Will’s Way Forward”, will provide grants for young adults in Luzerne County pursuing careers in sustainability and community development.
“He believed in building,” said foundation board member Carlos Rivera. “Not just structures—but people, futures, and hope.”
Family, Friends, and Personal Loss
Behind the public mourning lies a family coping with immeasurable loss. In a statement released to the press, John and Michelle Thompson thanked the community for its support and asked for privacy as they navigate their grief.
“William was the greatest gift of our lives,” the statement read. “He was our son, our friend, our joy. We are shattered, but we are grateful for the love you’ve shown.”
His older sisters, Marissa and Hannah, also spoke at the vigil, recalling their brother’s endless curiosity, his goofy humor, and his ability to bring peace to tense moments.
“He was the glue in our family,” said Hannah, tearfully. “And now, we’re all trying to figure out how to hold together without him.”
Reflections from Across the Region
Hunlock Creek may be small, but the reverberations of William’s death have traveled across Luzerne County and the broader northeastern Pennsylvania region.
Local officials, nonprofit leaders, and educators have offered statements recognizing his contributions.
“William represented the best of us—selfless, grounded, committed to the common good,” said State Representative Janine Harper, who met Will through environmental initiatives. “His example challenges us all to be better citizens.”
A local artist, Riley Karnowski, has begun work on a mural to be painted on the side of the Hunlock Creek Post Office, portraying William in the midst of planting trees—symbolizing growth, roots, and the enduring nature of good deeds.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
A public visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Heller Funeral Home in Nescopeck, with services scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 1:00 PM at Hunlock United Methodist Church. The service will be officiated by Pastor Ray and include tributes from family, friends, and members of the organizations William served.
Following the funeral, a community meal will be hosted at the Hunlock Creek Volunteer Fire Hall, where guests are encouraged to share memories and bring photos or mementos for a memory wall.
Carrying the Torch Forward
As the community begins to process and heal from the loss of William James Thompson, the sentiment across Hunlock Creek is clear: his life, though tragically short, was a beacon. One that will continue to guide and inspire.
“We can’t replace Will,” said friend and coworker Josh Lemley, “but we can try to live more like him.”
In that spirit, several community members have committed to monthly volunteer events in his name. The first will be a river cleanup on June 15, dedicated to the man who once walked those banks alone, quietly doing what he could to make them beautiful.
“If each of us takes just one of his values and makes it our own,” said Pastor Ray, “then Will lives on.”
