Third Stew-Stras teen dies from UTV, grain hauler crash
Jul. 11—Three Stewardson-Strasburg incoming freshmen have died after the UTV they were riding crashed into a grain hauler Wednesday evening.
Illinois State Police reported that a preliminary investigation indicates a 2022 Polaris UTV was traveling south on County Road 3150E, disobeyed the stop sign, and struck the front of an International truck-trailer grain hauler traveling east on CR 1200N at 5:30 p.m. in Shelby County.
One occupant, a 14-year-old female, was pronounced dead at the scene, and a second 14-year-old occupant was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A third 14-year-old female, who was airlifted to a hospital in Indianapolis with life-threatening injuries, died Thursday, according to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
The driver of the grain hauler was uninjured.
Stewardson-Strasburg Superintendent Justin Deters confirmed the teens were incoming freshmen on the district's Facebook page and asked for prayers for the students and their families.
"In our Stew-Stras family, our students are like our own kids. These students have impacted many lives inside these walls and even more on the outside. We are committed to doing everything we can to help our students and community," he posted.
Deters invited students and staff to the library at 4 p.m. today, Thursday, July 11, where counselors and refreshments will be available.
"This will be an opportunity for those students and staff to process and be supported in a caring environment with their school family. All students from Stew-Stras, Trinity, Windsor and those with close connections are welcome," he said.
The public is invited to a prayer vigil today at 6 p.m. at Stewardson-Strasburg High School Gym. According to Deters, pastors from the churches these students and families attend will lead the vigil.
