CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (Chambana Today) — An accident in rural Champaign County claimed the life of a local motorcyclist Saturday afternoon. Authorities say the collision occurred around 1:49 p.m. at the intersection of Mattis Avenue and East Ford Harris Road in Hensley Township.
According to a statement released by the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, 58-year-old Jason Hart of Champaign was killed when his motorcycle collided with a truck towing a bean head — a type of agricultural harvesting equipment. The truck was driven by a 39-year-old man from Foosland, who was traveling eastbound on East Ford Harris Road at the time of the incident.
Hart was traveling northbound on Mattis Avenue alongside another motorcyclist. Investigators say as the two approached the intersection, Hart’s motorcycle struck the trailer portion of the truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The second motorcyclist was not involved in the collision and was unharmed.
Emergency personnel responded quickly, but efforts to save Hart were unsuccessful.
The Champaign County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the fatal crash. As of now, no citations or charges have been announced.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Dustin D. Heuerman – (217) 384-1205 – sheriff@champaigncountyil.gov, or Lieutenant Curt Apperson – (217) 384-1213 – capperson@champaigncountyil.gov.
