Earlville teen dies in Lee County crash

DIXON – An Earlville teen died Monday in a two-vehicle crash north of Compton in Lee County.

Chasity J. Stavenhagen, 16, of Earlville, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at Route 251 and Chicago Road, Lee County Sheriff Clay Whelan said.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about 2:20 p.m. Monday regarding a collision involving a semitractor-trailer and a pickup truck, according to a news release.

Deputies learned that Stavenhagen’s blue Chevrolet pickup had been westbound on Chicago Road at the intersection with Route 251. A semi hauling grain was northbound on Route 251, approaching the intersection with Chicago Road. Witnesses at the scene indicated that the pickup pulled out in front of the semi and was struck broadside, according to the release.

Stavenhagen’s passenger was identified as 20-year-old Kevin Kain of West Brooklyn. He was taken to OSF St. Paul Medical Center in Mendota and later airlifted to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. As of the last information received, he was in critical condition, according to the release.

The driver of the semi was identified as a 62-year-old male from Sublette. He was uninjured and was released from the scene.

Because of the seriousness of the crash, the road was closed to traffic for several hours. An accident reconstructionist and drone pilot from the sheriff’s office were brought in to investigate.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Illinois State Police, Paw Paw fire and EMS, the Lee County Coroner’s Office, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The crash remains under investigation.