Local News
Chrisman High School Baseball Player Bentley Wolfe Dies After Being Struck by Line Drive During Practice
A 15-year-old Illinois high school student and baseball player has died after being struck by a line drive during team practice, an incident that has deeply shaken his school and local community.
The teenager, Bentley Wolfe, was a sophomore at Chrisman High School in Chrisman.
According to officials, the accident occurred on Monday, March 2, while Wolfe was participating in baseball practice with his teammates.
Authorities said Wolfe was struck in the head by a line drive during the practice session.
He was initially treated at a local medical facility before his condition worsened, prompting doctors to transfer him the following day to OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria for specialized care.
According to Jamie Harwood, the Peoria County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Wolfe remained in critical condition after the transfer. Despite extensive medical treatment and lifesaving efforts by doctors, Wolfe was declared brain dead on Friday, March 6.
An autopsy later determined that his death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head, the coroner said.
In the days following his passing, Wolfe’s family honored his life through an honor walk ceremony, a tradition often held to recognize organ donors.
In a message shared on social media, his mother said Bentley “successfully created his last mission here on earth” by donating several organs, including his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, potentially saving multiple lives.
The tragic accident has had a profound impact on the small community, where classmates, teammates, teachers, and residents have come together to mourn the loss of the young athlete.
Many have also expressed compassion for the teammate involved in the practice play, acknowledging the emotional toll such an accident can have on everyone present.
Community members continue to offer prayers and support for Bentley Wolfe’s family, as well as for his teammates and coaches who are coping with the devastating loss.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.