COLES COUNTY, IL — A tragic head-on collision on Tuesday evening claimed the life of 30-year-old Shaquan D. Petty of Greenville and left multiple others injured. The accident occurred on County Road 1000N, just east of its intersection with County Road 1300E, around 6:15 p.m., prompting a five-hour road closure as authorities investigated.
According to the Coles County Sheriff’s Office, Petty was driving one of the vehicles involved in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. A juvenile passenger in his vehicle received emergency treatment on-site before being transported to HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. The child was later transferred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for further care.
The second vehicle, occupied by an elderly couple from Oakland, also sustained significant damage. The 68-year-old woman required extrication by emergency responders, and both she and her 74-year-old husband were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.
The Coles County Coroner’s Office, along with the Coles County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police, is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports have not indicated any contributing factors such as weather, speed, or impairment, but more details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
County Road 1000N was closed for nearly five hours, reopening at 11 p.m. as authorities worked to clear the scene and collect evidence. The extended closure highlights the severity of the collision and the extensive investigation required to determine its cause.
This tragic incident has left the community mourning the loss of Shaquan D. Petty, while others remain hopeful for the recovery of the injured. Officials are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to contact the Coles County Sheriff’s Office as they continue to seek answers. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and preventing future tragedies on rural roads like County Road 1000N.