Clinton County, IL – A tragic crash occurred Friday night, when a vehicle went airborne and rolled down a rock-filled riverbank, leading to one fatality and one hospital visit.
Around 10:14 p.m. on Friday, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatch center received reports of a vehicle rollover on Dam East Spillway Road, just west of the spillway. Authorities say the vehicle, a white 2002 Pontiac Grand AM, driven by Michael K. Ray, 45, of Centralia, Illinois, was traveling south when it failed to negotiate the sharp turn near the Kaskaskia River.
According to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle struck the guardrail, became airborne, and rolled down a rock-filled riverbank, eventually coming to a stop upright near the river’s edge. The crash ejected Christopher T. Ray, 45, of Centralia, a passenger in the car, who was found to have sustained fatal injuries from the crash. Michael K. Ray, the driver, was able to exit the vehicle and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese with non-incapacitating injuries.
Responding agencies included Clinton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Carlyle Police, Breese EMS, and the Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Team. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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