Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 10:15am on Saturday, February 15, 2020, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two vehicle crash on Dexter Road at the 1-70 Interstate overpass. Upon arrival, it was determined one individual was deceased at the scene and two males were taken to HSHS St. Anthony Hospital for treatment. Other agencies on scene to assist were the Illinois State Police, Altamont Fire Department, Abbott EMS, Effingham County Coroner’s Office, Tri-power Towing and Forman Towing and the ISP Accident Reconstruction Team.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a GMC Yukon driven by Ronald Hite, age 62, of Mason, Illinois was northbound on the Dexter Road and crossed the centerline and collided with a southbound Chevrolet pick-up truck driven by Chauncy Kuhns, age 34, of Altamont, Illinois. Ronald Hite was pronounced deceased at the scene by Coroner Kim Rhodes. Hite’s passenger, Bryan Hite, age 37, was airlifted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois and was in surgery late Saturday night. Chauncy Kuhns was later transferred to Carle Hospital in Champaign, Illinois for further treatment.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 8:30 am. The Effingham County Coroner’s office and the Effingham County Sheriff’s department are continuing the investigation pending the results of the autopsy, toxicology reports and the ISP Reconstruction Report.