Local News
Two-Year-Old Fatally Struck by Lowe’s Truck on Highway 42 West Near Sims
Authorities are actively investigating a tragic incident in which a two-year-old child was struck and killed by a Lowe’s delivery truck along Highway 42 West near Sims.
Law enforcement officers and emergency personnel responded to the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders confirmed that the young child had sustained fatal injuries.
The circumstances leading up to the collision have not yet been publicly detailed, and investigators remain on-site working to determine exactly what occurred.
A significant presence of first responders, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services, continues in the area as the scene is processed.
Motorists are advised to avoid the vicinity or proceed with caution due to ongoing investigative activity.
The Highway Patrol has taken the lead in the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
No additional information regarding the driver or contributing factors has been released at this time.
Authorities are urging the community to keep both the victim’s family and the driver involved in their thoughts as they cope with the profound impact of this tragic event.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.