Local News
25-year-old Chase Cole killed in single-vehicle crash on Pratt Whitney Road in Jupiter
JUPITER, Florida — A 25-year-old man from Palm Beach Gardens was killed Sunday night in a single-vehicle crash on Pratt Whitney Road, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies reported that Chase Cole was driving a Volkswagen Jetta westbound in the 1500 block of Pratt Whitney Road at approximately 9:32 p.m. when the crash occurred.
Preliminary findings indicate that as the roadway curved to the right, the vehicle continued straight for unknown reasons, leaving the roadway and entering the grassy shoulder.
After departing the roadway, the vehicle struck multiple trees, resulting in severe damage. Investigators noted that no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Authorities also stated that impairment due to drugs or alcohol is not believed to be a contributing factor at this time.
Responders from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue arrived shortly after the crash and pronounced Cole dead at the scene at approximately 9:46 p.m.
The crash remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the exact cause, including potential factors such as speed, roadway conditions, or mechanical issues.
Officials urge drivers to remain attentive, especially on curved roadways at night, as investigations into the fatal Jupiter crash continue.
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.