Dixon, IL – A 16-year-old girl from Earlville died and a 20-year-old man remains in critical condition following a collision between a pickup truck and a semi-truck at the intersection of Route 251 and Chicago Road.
According to a press release from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred at approximately 2:21 p.m. on Monday. Investigators say a blue Chevrolet pickup was traveling west on Chicago Road and failed to yield at a stop sign before entering Route 251, where it was struck broadside by a northbound semi-truck hauling grain.
The driver of the pickup was identified as 16-year-old Chasity J. Stavenhagen. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passenger, 20-year-old Kevin Kain of West Brooklyn, was first transported to OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota, then airlifted to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Authorities confirmed he remains in critical condition.
Due to the severity of the crash, the roadway was closed for several hours. A crash reconstructionist and drone pilot from the Sheriff’s Office were called in to assist with the investigation.
The driver of the semi, a 62-year-old man from Sublette, was not injured and was released after cooperating with authorities.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident with help from the Illinois State Police, Paw Paw Fire and EMS, the Lee County Coroner’s Office, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The crash remains under investigation.
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