ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE
FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police Troop 9
WHAT: Three Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash
WHERE: US Route 50 eastbound west of North Cottage Hill Road, Richland County
WHEN: July 14, 2023 at approximately 6:50 a.m.
VEHICLE: Unit 1 – 2016 Blue Peterbilt Acclaim, pulling semi-trailer
Unit 2 – 1997 Maroon Chevrolet GMT-400
Unit 3 – 2007 White International FL70
DRIVERS: Unit 1 – Jonathan J. Wilson., 18-year-old male from Taylorsville, MS
Unit 2 – Justin A. Lynn., 22-year-old male from Cisne, IL (Deceased)
Unit 3 – Cody M. Wolfe, 32-year-old male from Clay City, IL
PASSENGERS: Unit 2 – Colten H. Stewart, 24-year-old male from Cisne, IL (Deceased)
Unit 3 – Zane R. Farrar, 23-year-old male from Louisville, IL
PRELIMINARY: The preliminary investigation indicates the following: All 3 units were traveling east on Route 50 entering the construction zone. Unit 3 was stopped at a stop sign being held by a construction worker. Unit 2 was stopped behind Unit 3. Unit 1 failed to reduce its speed, and Unit 1 struck the rear of Unit 2, pushing Unit 2 forward into Unit 3. Unit 2 caught on fire as a result of the crash and the driver and passenger were declared deceased on scene. Unit 1 and 3 drivers and Unit 3 passenger were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.
CHARGES: Unit 1 driver was cited for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Crash.
The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.