Local News
Drake Britton Killed in Motorcycle Crash on Highway 2 Near Colbert
SPOKANE, Wash. — Drake Britton died Tuesday afternoon following a collision involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck towing a horse trailer on U.S. Route 2 south of Colbert, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Authorities said the fatal crash occurred around noon near Carney Road at milepost 299 on Highway 2.
Initial reports from investigators indicate the collision involved a motorcycle and a pickup truck pulling a horse trailer.
Emergency crews, including a LifeFlight helicopter, were dispatched to the scene following reports of serious injuries.
Washington State Patrol later confirmed the motorcyclist, identified as Drake Britton, died as a result of the crash.
The collision prompted major traffic disruptions in the area.
Officials initially closed the northbound lanes of Highway 2 south of Colbert while emergency responders and investigators worked at the scene.
Traffic was later reopened in one direction, but northbound lanes remained shut down for an extended period as troopers continued their investigation into the deadly crash.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes due to heavy congestion and ongoing road closures.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision, including whether speed, impairment, or roadway conditions may have contributed to the crash.
The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the fatal motorcycle collision.
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.