Friends, colleagues, and former classmates are mourning the loss of Brant R. Dykehouse, 54, whose passing last weekend has left many across several communities grieving a cherished friend and respected professional. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Dykehouse following an incident reported Saturday afternoon in the 700 block of West Jackson Boulevard in Chicago’s West Loop. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Chicago police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Dykehouse, a longtime Chicago resident originally from Richland, Michigan, built a rich academic and professional life. He studied at Loyola University Chicago and Lake Forest College, and was a graduate of Gull Lake High School. Friends note that he was dedicated to his work as a therapist and made a meaningful impact on the lives of the people he supported.
The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from those who knew him across different chapters of his life, including close friends from his time living abroad in Japan.
Sarah Barbour, a longtime friend, shared a heartfelt tribute recalling their friendship in Yamaguchi-ken and the many memories that defined their connection. She remembered Dykehouse as stylish, warm, welcoming, and deeply thoughtful — someone who loved hosting friends, sharing meals, listening generously, and bringing laughter wherever he went.
“He was funny and kind and gracious,” Barbour wrote, reflecting on their years-long friendship. She also shared memories of a reunion in Chicago during a travel delay, describing a day spent together at Millennium Park and how much joy he brought to her family. “He was enjoying his job as a therapist. He was in love. He was happy, and I’m so glad I have that memory of him.”
Friends describe him as the kind of person with whom conversations could pick up effortlessly, no matter how much time had passed. His passing has left many feeling a deep and personal loss.
Dykehouse’s memory continues to resonate through the many lives he touched — across Chicago, Michigan, Japan, and beyond. Friends and loved ones are sharing stories, photos, and tributes honoring his kindness, humor, and the lasting impact he made on those around him.
Funeral arrangements and memorial details have not yet been publicly announced.
