Effingham County, IL-(Effingham Radio)- At approximately 9:40 am on Wednesday February 23, 2022, the Illinois State Police responded to a one vehicle crash on I-57 northbound at MP 145 near Edgewood, Illinois. Upon arrival, the Illinois State Police advised the driver was unresponsive and was transported to HSHS St. Anthony Hospital. Other agencies on scene to assist were Abbott EMS, Effingham County Sheriff’s Department and Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police.
The Coroner’s office was notified at 10:36 am by HSHS St. Anthony Hospital that the individual had passed away in the emergency room. The driver was identified as Richard L. Sluis, age 71 of Milaca, Minnesota. Coroner’s Office notified the next of kin in Minnesota and Marathon, Florida. His family advised the coroner’s office that Richard Slius had been in Florida and Kentucky recently and was on his way to northern Illinois to visit his brother at the time of the crash. They also provided medical information on Mr. Sluis.
Preliminary investigation revealed Mr. Sluis was traveling northbound on I-57 at MP 145, suffered a medical emergency which caused him to run off the road. He continued northbound through the median, went airborne and traveled between the concrete bridge supports and landed on the county road below the interstate. The vehicle stopped when it hit the guard rail on Iowa St. in rural Edgewood.
Medical records were requested and toxicology samples were taken by the coroner’s office. The investigation is continuing by the Coroner’s office and the Illinois State Police.
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