Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon says a 50-year-old Lawrenceville, Georgia man was killed in a crash on northbound I-57 ten miles north of Salem early Monday night.
The victim is identified as Freddy Vasquez.
Cannon says the crash occurred near milepost 126 about a mile south of the Kinmundy exit.
State Police say a preliminary investigation indicates Vasquez left the road to the right, then re-entered the roadway and crossed both lanes before running off the left side of the road, going down an embankment and striking several trees before rolling onto the driver’s side.
Vasquez was alone in the van and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Cannon says Vasquez died instantly, and that alcohol is clearly the primary contributing cause.
The Coroner was assisted at the scene by Kinmundy/Alma Fire and EMS and United Response EMS. Illinois State Police are handling the crash investigation and Crouse Funeral Home is assisting the Vasquez family with local arrangements.
The crash occurred around seven PM Monday evening.
The crash was one of two on northbound I-57 early Monday evening where a vehicle ran off the road. The first crash occurred two and a half miles north of the Salem exit when an SUV ran off the shoulder and continued until it hit the fence along the Interstate as well as a tree. The driver escaped injury in that crash. Salem Fire, United Medical Response, and Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies all responded since initial reports did not indicate if there were any injuries. That crash was reported at 4:54 Monday afternoon.
