ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12

WHAT: Fatal Crash

WHERE: I-57 N/B @ Milepost 175 in Cumberland County. Approximately 5 miles south of Neoga

WHEN: 01:54 AM 06/12/2018

VEHICLES: Unit #1 – 2014 Peter built Semi Truck Tractor

Unit #2 – 2008 Harley Davidson Motorcycle

DRIVER: Unit #1 – James T. McMorris 41, of Zachary, LA.

Unit #2 – George P. Varvitsiotes 56, of Newnan, GA.

PASSENGERS: N/A

CHARGES: Pending

TRANSPORTS: N/A

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate Unit 1 was northbound on I-57 at milepost 175 traveling directly behind Unit 2 in the right lane of traffic. At that location, Unit 1 struck the rear end of Unit 2 causing both units to leave the roadway. The driver of Unit 2 was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cumberland County Coroner. Further investigation is being completed by the Illinois State Police crash reconstruction unit and Illinois State Police commercial vehicle enforcement section.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law