Local News
34-year-old Colleen Lischwe dead after semitruck crash pushed car off I-44 overpass
ST. LOUIS, MO – Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal crash on I-44 as Colleen Lischwe, a 34-year-old resident of St. Clair County, Illinois.
Lischwe served as the Head Coach of both the Men’s and Women’s Water Polo Teams at McKendree University, where she was admired for her dedication and leadership.
The tragic incident occurred near Vandeventer Avenue on I-44 eastbound.
According to a preliminary investigation by St. Louis City Police, Lischwe was driving her Toyota Prius eastbound on I-44 when her vehicle was struck from behind by a semi-truck.
The impact forced her car off the interstate, over a snow drift, and onto Vandeventer Avenue.
The semi-truck driver told authorities that he had momentarily looked down to grab a drink and, upon looking up, realized traffic had slowed. By then, it was too late to avoid a collision with Lischwe’s vehicle.
An eyewitness described the crash, stating, “Traffic was slowing down on I-44 near Vandeventer. The truck driver wasn’t paying attention and ended up rear-ending the Prius. It was a devastating scene.”
Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported Lischwe to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
The St. Louis City Police Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and whether charges will be filed.
Lischwe’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through her community and McKendree University, where she was a prominent figure. Known for her passion for water polo and her commitment to her athletes, she left an indelible mark on the university and the lives she touched.
“Our hearts are broken,” said a university spokesperson. “Colleen was not only a coach but a mentor and role model. She will be deeply missed.”
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the St. Louis City Police Department.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.