Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two SIU Students in Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois – In a devastating incident that occurred on Monday morning, two young students from Southern Illinois University (SIU) lost their lives in a head-on collision in Carbondale. The victims have been identified as Wolfgang W. Gustaveson, 19, from Park Ridge, and Francis M. Martinez, 18, from Des Plaines, both cities in Illinois. The Jackson County Coroner’s Office confirmed their unfortunate demise, as reported in a press release from the Carbondale Police Department.
Gustaveson and Martinez were residents on the SIU campus, adding an even deeper sense of loss to the university community. Meanwhile, the occupant of the second vehicle involved in the accident sustained severe injuries and was promptly transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for immediate medical attention. However, the authorities have not yet released the identity of the injured individual.
The Carbondale Police Department swiftly dispatched officers to the scene of the accident, situated in the 1500 block of North Illinois Avenue, following reports of a collision involving a school bus. Fortunately, the investigation revealed that the school bus remained unaffected by the crash, and no harm befell any of its passengers. However, tragically, two trucks collided head-on near the bus, resulting in the loss of two young lives.
Seeking the assistance of the public, the city police have urged anyone with information regarding the accident to come forward and contact the Carbondale Police Department at (618) 549-2121. Alternatively, individuals can also provide anonymous tips to the Carbondale/SIU Crime Stoppers tip line at (618) 549-COPS (2677) or the Murphysboro/Jackson County anonymous tip line at (618) 687-COPS (2677). The authorities are hopeful that additional information from eyewitnesses could aid in their investigation and shed light on the circumstances leading up to the tragic collision.
Expressing their deep condolences, the City of Carbondale conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of Gustaveson and Martinez. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety, urging everyone to remain vigilant while traveling on the roads.