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.