A tight-knit community is in shock after a beloved business owner was found dead Monday morning.
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office is officially investigating the death as a homicide.
Deputies arrived at “The Line” bar shortly before noon.
The bar sits in rural Momence near the Illinois-Indiana state line on Illinois Route 114.
Inside, officers discovered the body of 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Drysdale was not just an employee; she was the owner of the establishment.
Friends say she had likely just opened the bar for the day at 11 a.m.
She was reportedly working alone when the incident occurred.
Detectives shifted the case to a homicide investigation based on evidence found at the scene.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the cause of death.
UPDATE: Photos Released of Person of Interest in Kankakee Co. Bar Homicide; $5,000 Reward Offered
Drysdale was a well-known figure in the Momence area.
She worked as a longtime bartender at the location before taking over as the owner.
Friends describe her as a selfless person who put others before herself.
“She would literally give up the whole world for somebody,” said Hailey Gershon, a friend and coworker.
Drysdale leaves behind a fiancé and a young daughter named Aubrey.
UPDATE: New Surveillance Photos Released in Kankakee Co. Bar Homicide; $5,000 Reward Posted
Friends and Community Share Heartfelt Tributes
The local community has started pouring out tributes on social media as news of the tragedy spreads.
One friend, who hosted regular events at the bar, shared her devastation on Facebook.
“Some of those people become my paint family. Courtney Marie Drysdale was one of them,” she wrote.
“I had the pleasure of doing the paint parties at The Line for the past 5-6 years.”
“She was literally the best hostess and we always had the best of time.”
The friend added, “Paint parties won’t be the same without you.”
Other residents expressed anger and a demand for justice regarding the senseless crime.
“Somebody knows something… you will be found out!!!” one person posted online.
Another close friend struggled to process the loss while looking back at old photos.
“Nothing prepares you to lose someone that’s close to your heart in a lot of ways,” the friend shared.
“I’ll forever remember dancing… playing with your french braids, singing our hearts out.”
“This one’s too close to home, baby girl, you had so much to live for.”
Longtime neighbors also recalled her early days in the Momence community.
“I’ll always remember the little makeovers I gave you when you first moved in town,” one woman wrote.
“My heart breaks for your daughter.”
Recent History
While Momence is known as a quiet, rural area, Kankakee County has seen a rise in violent incidents involving small businesses.
This tragedy mirrors a growing concern over the safety of lone workers in remote locations.
Just last year, residents expressed worry over increased response times for emergency services in the rural stretches near the state line.
Small bars along Route 114 often serve as community hubs, making this loss feel personal to almost everyone in town.
Local law enforcement has increased patrols in the area while the killer remains at large.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to come forward.
You can contact detectives at (815) 802-7150.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (815) 93-CRIME.
Anonymous tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
