A tragic incident that happened early on Sunday morning in Rockford has left the community in shock.

According to a press release from the Winnebago County Coroner's Office, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Sunday (10/13), local police and fire department personnel responded to reports of a shooting near the intersection of South Main Street and Race Street.

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Upon arrival, they discovered 26-year-old Octavious Smith suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Emergency responders from the Rockford Fire Department quickly initiated treatment efforts before transporting Smith to a nearby hospital.

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Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased just minutes later at 3:03 a.m. An autopsy confirmed that Smith's cause of death was indeed his gunshot wounds.

The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, in conjunction with the Rockford Police Department, has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Smith's death.

Authorities are actively working to gather more information and identify potential suspects. As the investigation continues, community members are left mourning the loss of a young life, raising questions about safety in Rockford.

This story is continuing to develop with further updates provided as details emerge.

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