Local News
23-year-old Ezra Villafranco Killed in Motorcycle Crash on San Jose Ranch Road and FM 509 in Harlingen
HARLINGEN, Texas — A 23-year-old motorcyclist from San Benito died following a crash involving a motorcycle and pickup truck Friday evening in Harlingen, according to authorities.
The victim was identified as Ezra Andrea Duke Villafranco.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. on May 15 at the intersection of San Jose Ranch Road and FM 509.
Investigators said Villafranco was operating a Kawasaki ER-6 motorcycle when he attempted to overtake other vehicles in a designated no-passing zone.
Authorities reported that during the maneuver, the motorcycle collided with a Toyota Tacoma that was attempting to make a left turn.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Villafranco to Valley Baptist Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Villafranco later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not publicly identified, and officials have not released information regarding any additional injuries.
Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal motorcycle crash.
The collision caused traffic disruptions in the area Friday evening as emergency crews responded and investigators processed evidence from the scene.
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.