Illinois Route 29 Accident Near Rochester Kills One, Injures Three Others

[January 01, 2008]  A head-on crash killed a Jacksonville man and led to serious injuries for three others. The accident occurred at 12:58 p.m. on Sunday on IL Rt. 29, .2 mile south of Breckenridge Road, and closed the highway for over five hours.

Glenn A. Durbin, 73, of Taylorville, was traveling northbound on IL 29 in a 2008 Ford pickup.

John E. Wilcox, 54, Marie Wilcox, 54, both Jacksonville, and six-month old Jackson Fritz of Columbia, MO were traveling in southbound in a 1999 Mercury SUV, with John Wilcox driving.

Durbin attempted to pass a slower moving vehicle going northbound. He entered the southbound lane into the path of the Wilcox vehicle. The Durbin vehicle struck the Wilcox vehicle head-on.

The Durbin vehicle continued to the ditch on the west side of the roadway.

The Wilcox vehicle rolled over several times before coming to
rest in the roadway.

John Wilcox was airlifted to St. John's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Marie Wilcox was transported with incapacitating injuries and the baby’s injuries were listed as critical at the time of the accident. They and Durbin were transported by ambulance to St. John's Hospital.

Agencies assisting Illinois State Police at the scene were the Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire and EMS, Sangamon County Sheriff Office and IDOT.

The occupants of the Wilcox vehicle were properly restrained in occupant restraints.

Durbin was cited for improper lane usage and failure to wear seatbelt.

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until the charges are proven in a court of law.

[Information from an Illinois State Police report]