Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- On Wednesday September 15, 2021 at approximately 3pm, the Illinois State Police were notified of a multiple vehicle crash on Rt. 33 just east of Effingham by Woodlawn Cemetery. Officers from the Illinois State Police, Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, Effingham City Police, Teutopolis Fire and Police Department and Abbott EMS all responded to the scene. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team were also notified and arrived to process the scene. The Illinois of Department of Transportation also assisted in closing off the roadway for several hours so emergency workers could work in a safe manner.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Buick Lacrosse driven Ronald Kyle of Shumway, Illinois was traveling westbound on Rt. 33 and for some unknown reason crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2003 Chevrolet pick-up truck driven by Ryan Wendt, age 36, of rural Effingham, Illinois head-on. Wendt was also towing a trailer loaded with personal items.
The Coroner’s office was called and pronounced Ronald Kyle, age 82 of Shumway deceased at the scene. His wife, Sally Kyle, age 81 was transported to HSHS St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham where she passed away in the emergency room.
Ryan Wendt was injured in the crash and was airlifted to Carle Hospital in Champaign, Illinois. According to his father (Don Wendt), Ryan underwent surgery late Wednesday night for severe leg injuries.
The Coroner’s office transported Ronald Kyle to HSHS St. Anthony morgue. An autopsy is scheduled for 8:30 am Thursday at the Regional Autopsy Center in Champaign, Illinois to determine the cause of death and if a medical condition was a possible cause of the driver crossing the center line. Toxicology samples will also be taken at the autopsy.
The investigation is continuing by the Coroner’s office and the Illinois State Police.
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