According to a preliminary report by the Illinois State Police, Troop 6 officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 67 at Woodson Winchester Road at approximately 215 Saturday afternoon. Two people were pronounced deceased at the scene. Morgan County Coroner Marcy Patterson confirmed the deaths in a statement late Saturday night.
The State Police also confirmed that two occupants were airlifted to regional hospitals with injuries, and two other occupants were transported to regional hospitals with injuries. No further information about the incident or the condition of those transported has been released at this time.
Muddy River News is reporting at this hour that the two who were pronounced deceased were both students at Pittsfield High School. Late Saturday night, Pikeland Superintendent of Schools, Todd Fox, announced via social media the sudden passing of Pike High School senior Jesse Davidsmeyer and junior Joel Noble.
The crash is the second tragedy to the Pikeland Schools community involving students this year. Freshman and standout basketball star Reese Ramsey lost her life in a two-vehicle crash on Illinois Route 106 on February 11th.
Fox said in the announcement Saturday “as a school and a community, we are in absolute shock and overwhelmed with grief,” and that “counseling and additional resources will be available at Pikeland for anyone in need”, including students, staff, and community members. Fox is also encouraging parents to talk with their children and reach out if additional support is needed.
Morgan County Coroner Marcy Patterson says the names of the deceased are being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin. All lanes of traffic on US 67 were shut down for approximately six hours for investigation at the scene and were reopened just after 8:00 pm.
Patterson says the incident remains under investigation by the Morgan County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police, and no further information will be released at this time.
