Effingham County, IL-(Effingham Radio)- On Wednesday April 23, 2025 at approximately 7:49 pm, the Illinois State Police received a call of a motorist assist on I-57 SB MP 161. Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive male in the driver’s seat of a vehicle on the side of the interstate. Rural Med EMS arrived and attempted resuscitation but their efforts failed and the Coroner’s Office was called to respond to the scene.
The male was identified as Gerald L. Crist, age 73 of Salem, Illinois.
Preliminary investigation revealed Mr. Crist was driving southbound on I-57 when his wife observed him go unresponsive. Mr. Crist then struck the concrete barrier wall which caused minimal damage to his vehicle. Mr. Crist’s death was not caused by the crash but a medical emergency while driving.
Medical records were requested and the investigation continues by the Effingham County Coroner’s Office.
Agencies responding to the incident were: Illinois State Police, Rural Med EMS and the Effingham County Coroner’s Office.
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