Local News
Tanielu Soli Jr and his son Jarius Tanielu killed in crash on NC 87 in Cumberland County
Authorities in North Carolina are investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of a man and a 12-year-old boy Monday morning in Cumberland County.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the crash occurred shortly after 10:00 a.m. along NC Highway 87 North near Swallowtail Court, just south of Fayetteville.
Preliminary findings indicate that a Ford Fusion traveling southbound veered off the roadway to the right, striking a guardrail.
The vehicle then crossed back to the left, clipping a median ditch before becoming airborne and overturning. As it reentered the roadway, the Ford Fusion collided head-on with a Subaru Outback traveling northbound.
Investigators reported that both occupants of the Ford Fusion were ejected during the crash and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
They were later identified as 41-year-old Tanielu Soli Jr., the driver, and 12-year-old Jarius Tanielu, the passenger. Both victims were residents of Fayetteville.
The driver of the Subaru Outback, who was the sole occupant of that vehicle, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities stated that, based on preliminary evidence, neither excessive speed nor alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash.
The incident remains under active investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at UrbanaโChampaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. โ 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 Coronerโs 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 Coronerโs 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 Rodriguezโs 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 Rodriguezโs 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.