Local News
16-Year-Old Avante Weldon Killed in Marion Township Crash on Likens-Chapel Road
MARION TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is investigating a tragic two-vehicle crash in Marion Township that claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy late Saturday night.
According to investigators, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 10:42 p.m. on Likens-Chapel Road near Fairground Road in Marion County.
A preliminary investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol determined that a Mercedes-Benz was parked facing northbound on Likens-Chapel Road when it was struck from behind by a Ford Ranger driven by Timothy Best, 66, of Marion.
Authorities said Avante Weldon, 16, was standing behind the parked Mercedes-Benz at the time of the collision. The impact caused critical injuries to the teenager.
Emergency responders from Marion City Fire and EMS transported Weldon to Marion General Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries despite lifesaving efforts.
The owner of the Mercedes-Benz, Sandra Sayre, 46, of Marion, was inside the vehicle when it was struck. Two 14-year-old occupants were also inside the vehicle during the crash.
Sayre and the two juvenile passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
The driver of the Ford Ranger, Timothy Best, also suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by several emergency response agencies, including:
Marion City Police Department
Marion County Sheriff’s Office
Marion Township EMS
Marion City Fire and EMS
Kirby’s Towing
Emergency crews remained at the scene while investigators documented evidence and worked to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Authorities have not released additional details regarding possible contributing factors as investigators continue examining the incident.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement as they work to determine exactly what caused the deadly crash that claimed the life of 16-year-old Avante Weldon.
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.