A devastating collision before daybreak Wednesday claimed the lives of two people in rural central Illinois. At about 6:19 a.m., Illinois State Police responded to reports of a serious crash on U.S. Route 136 near County Road 50E, close to the Champaign–McLean county line. The wreck involved two vehicles and left both badly mangled, prompting a full closure of the road for hours so investigators and first responders could work the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victims as Joshua A. Cleveland, 32, of Champaign, and Shirley C. Fenton, 67, of Weldon. Authorities say both were pronounced dead at the scene from their injuries. The force of the collision left little chance for survival or timely rescue, and local emergency crews, including fire and medical personnel, assisted with traffic control, victim care, and scene management during the early morning rush.
To allow crash reconstruction teams to process evidence and clear wreckage, U.S. 136 was shut down between County Line Road (4200 East Road) and County Road 100E. After several hours, the roadway was reopened, though investigators remained on site for much of the day. Autopsies have been scheduled in the coming days to gather deeper insight into exactly how each victim sustained their fatal injuries.
So far, no definitive cause has been announced. Investigators are considering multiple possibilities: roadway conditions, visibility, weather, vehicle malfunctions, and driver behavior. They are also reviewing witness statements, and if available, surveillance or dashcam footage from nearby properties. The Illinois State Police have asked anyone with relevant video or observations of the crash vicinity to come forward.
This tragic incident has reignited concern in local communities about safety on U.S. 136, which has seen its share of serious crashes over time. Officials continue to emphasize that early morning driving demands extra caution—dim light, glare, and fatigue can combine to make even a familiar road treacherous. They’re urging motorists to remain alert, limit distractions, carefully obey speed limits, and slow down in rural intersections.
Cleveland and Fenton were both known and respected in their homes—Champaign and Weldon, respectively—and their deaths have sent shockwaves through those communities. Friends, neighbors, and officials have expressed sorrow and extended condolences to the families. Meanwhile, the Illinois State Police and Champaign County Coroner’s Office remain partners in the investigation and promise further updates as new information becomes available.
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