Kankakee, IL – A fiery single-vehicle crash in Kankakee early Easter Sunday left three people dead after their SUV veered off the road and struck a tree, according to local officials.
According to a statement from the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 1:16 a.m. on the 900 block of South Cobb Boulevard. A black 2008 GMC Yukon left the roadway and collided with a tree before becoming fully engulfed in flames. First responders from the Kankakee Police and Fire Departments were unable to reach the vehicle’s occupants due to the intensity of the fire.
The victims were identified as Kiyantis Riley, 45; Philip Birdsong, 48; and Jeffrey Clark II, 41 — all residents of Kankakee. Officials confirmed that each occupant was pronounced dead at the scene, and next-of-kin were notified prior to the public release of the information.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, Kankakee City Police Department, and Illinois State Police Troop 5. Authorities have not commented on whether alcohol, speed, or other factors played a role in the incident.
The coroner’s office urged the public to drive responsibly, avoid distractions, and never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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