Coroner identifies victim in semi truck and tractor collision near Heyworth

Posted on June 1, 2022
The crash remains under investigation by the McLean County Coroner’s office and Illinois State Police. (WJBC file photo)

By Neil Doyle

HEYWORTH – A McLean County man has been identified after a semi truck crashed into a tractor early Tuesday morning near Heyworth, killing the driver of the tractor.

The collision took place on U.S. 51 near County Road 400 North. McLean County Coroner Kathy Yoder has identified the victim as Jay Fitzgerald, 44, of Heyworth.

Preliminary autopsy results indicate Fitzgerald died from craniocerebral injuries due to the crash, according to Yoder.

Police said the semi hit the farm tractor, sending the tractor into the ditch and ejecting the driver. Authorities say the 36-year-old driver of the semi truck was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation by the coroner’s office and Illinois State Police.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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