Fatal Crash Claims Life of Rockford Man on US Highway 20

An early morning crash in Winnebago County on Monday morning has left a family and a community devastated.

Crash Occurred in Early Morning Hours

According to a press release from the Winnebago County Coroner's Office, the fatal incident happened around 1:15 on Monday (6/2) on US Highway 20 near Meridian Road.

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Preliminary investigations into the deadly crash report that the man driving eastbound on US 20 when his pickup veered off the roadway near Meridian Road and crashed.

No details were given by emergency personnel regarding what may have caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.

First Responders Pronounce Man Dead at Scene

Emergency personnel from the Illinois State Police, Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department, and MD-1 responded to the scene of the accident.

When they arrived, emergency crews evaluated the male driver of the vehicle, but he was found to be beyond resuscitation and was pronounced dead at 1:32 pm, less than 20 minutes after the crash was reported.

Name of Victim and Cause of Death Confirmed

According to the Winnebago County Coroner's Office, 41-year-old Thomas Walker Jr. of Rockford was the victim of the fatal crash on US 20. An autopsy concluded that Walker Jr. died of blunt chest trauma sustained in the crash.

Illinois State Police is investigating the incident and asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have any information to contact the Illinois State Police District 16 office in Pecatonica.