Peoria County Coroner's Office

In addition to the release by the Peoria Police Department:

The male, 45-year-old Sylvester Erving, of Camblin Avenue, Peoria, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in critical condition. Despite aggressive resuscitation and care, he was sadly pronounced deceased in the ICU at 11:52 am late this morning.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday. This release will be updated.

Homicide Arrest (**UPDATE BELOW**)
PPD Incident #24-18510

Previously Reported:
(PEORIA, IL) Friday, August 30, 2024, at approximately 2:32 a.m. Peoria Police were dispatched to the 500 block of Main Street on a report of a person shot.
When officers arrived, they located an adult male victim (45 years old) down with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Members of the Peoria Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Special Investigations Division (SID), Crime Scene Unit (CSU), and Patrol Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.
There is currently no suspect information. This incident is under investigation.
If you have any information regarding this incident or any violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymously), or Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at (309) 673-9000.
UPDATE: 8/30/24
At approximately 11:52 a.m. on August 30, 2024, the victim was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.
The identity and cause of death will be released by the Peoria County Coroner.
During the course of this investigation, police identified 40-year-old Lacorlis T. Edwards as a suspect in this case.
At approximately 4:50 p.m. Edwards turned himself in to police and was subsequently arrested for First Degree Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.
Edwards was transported to the Peoria County Jail.
This incident remains under investigation.
If you have any information regarding this incident or any violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymously), or Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at (309) 673-9000.
**All suspects and arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. **

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2024
PEORIA COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE
CASE # 24-2262
MOTORCYCLE FATALITY

Peoria, IL- on July 19th, at approximately 8:26pm, the Peoria Police Department, Peoria Fire Department, and Advanced Medical Transport were called to 900 N. Douglas Street for a single-vehicle, single-occupant motorcycle collision.

The operator of the motorcycle, 34-year-old Jeremy M. Winders, of West Virginia Ave, Peoria, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in critical but stable condition. Over the last month, despite aggressive care and intervention, his condition, unfortunately, continued to deteriorate. Sadly, Winders was pronounced deceased at 12:57 am this morning at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria due to significant head and bodily trauma. Per Illinois State Statute, toxicology is pending. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08/20/2024
MOTOR VEHICLE FATALITY

On August 16, 2024, at approximately 3:15 pm, Police, Fire, and EMS were called to County Highway 5/N 500 Ave in Kewanee, IL, for a two-vehicle motor vehicle collision with serious injuries.

The driver of one of the vehicles, 37-year-old Cassie Boorn, of N. Terra Vista Drive, Peoria, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center via LifeFlight Helicopter in critical condition.

Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts and care, she was sadly pronounced deceased at OSF on the 16th at 7:55 pm.

Boorn suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries that were unfortunately inconsistent with life. Per Illinois State Statute, toxicology is pending. The crash remains under investigation by the Henry County Sheriff’s Department.

On July 26, 2024, at approximately 12:20 am, Peoria Police received a 911 call for a 9-month-old infant unresponsive and not breathing.

The infant, Kaine Santana H. Wolford, of Green Street, Peoria, was transported by private vehicle to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, sadly, baby Wolford was pronounced deceased at 1:29 am.

The autopsy on Wolford demonstrated no gross evidence of significant natural disease or congenital abnormality, or trauma; at that time, toxicology was pending.

Toxicology has been resulted and evaluated.

The cause of the death on Wolford demonstrates he suffered a Fentanyl intoxication, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.

The case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

In reference to the below release from the Peoria County Sheriff's Office:

The driver of the vehicle, 31-year-old Kyle L. Jepson, of West Pfeiffer Rd, Mapleton, was sadly pronounced deceased by the Peoria County Coroner at 12:44 pm.

Jepson suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries and likely died instantly. Toxicology is pending per Illinois State Statute.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Peoria County Sheriff's Office.

Fatal Accident
PCSO Incident # 24-5101
Released by Sheriff Chris Watkins

(Peoria County, IL) – On Tuesday, August 13th, 2024, at approximately 11:26 a.m., Peoria County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the 10300 block of Smithville Rd on a report of damage to a culvert. Before deputies arrived, property owners discovered a vehicle on its top that had crashed in the woods nearby. The vehicle was at least 40 yards in the wooded area from the roadway. Deputies had to cut through brush to get to the vehicle and found one occupant in the vehicle with no signs of life. Unfortunately, this individual was pronounced deceased on the scene. The deceased driver is a 31 year old male from Mapleton. There were no other occupants found. Logan-Trivoli Fire Department responded to the scene. It appears that speed was a factor in the accident. Nearby residents heard a tree falling at approximately 9:00 p.m. Monday night. This may have been when the crash happened. The accident is still under investigation by the Peoria County Sheriff's Office. The driver's identity will be released at a later time by the Peoria County Coroner.

****************************UPDATE********************

The autopsy on both Floyd and Leah Henderson has been completed, and concludes that each suffered mutliple blunt force trauma injuires that were inconsistent with life. They both died instantly. Toxicology is pending per Illinois State Statute.

PEORIA COUNTY
MOTORCYCLE COLLISION/FATALITY
AUGUST 11, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEORIA COUNTY- On August 10, 2024, at approximately 9:55 pm, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, Chillicothe Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Chillicothe Fire Department, Advanced Medical Transport, and OSF LifeFlight helicopter were called to North Rt. 29 at Knox for a motorcycle and pickup truck collision.

Sadly, the operator of the motorcycle, 58-year-old Floyd L. Henderson, and his wife, 51-year-old Leah R. Henderson, of North Von Achen Drive, Chillicothe, were both pronounced deceased on the scene following brief resuscitative efforts.

An autopsy is scheduled on Monday for the couple. The cause of the collision and other details remain under investigation by Crash ReconstructionistS with the Illinois State Police. Toxicology is pending per the Illinois Dater Statute.

We would like to thank the Chillicothe Fire Department, the Peoria County Sheriff's Office, the Chillicothe Police Department, and the Illinois State Police, who graciously assisted us with Floyd and Leah's care. We genuinely appreciate it.

This release will be updated.

# # #

In reference to the below release by the Peoria Police Department:

One of the injured victims, 35-year-old Zaneta Winters, of N. El Vista Ave, Peoria, was sadly pronounced brain dead at 2:03 pm, August 12, 2024.

Autopsy is pending organ procurment.

This release will be updated.

Shooting Investigation
PPD Incident #24-16984

(PEORIA, IL) Sunday, August 11, 2024, at approximately 8:08 p.m. Peoria Police were dispatched to the 3400 block of N. El Vista Avenue on a report of two people shot.
When officers arrived, they located two adult females with apparent gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Members of the Peoria Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Crime Scene Unit (CSU), and Patrol Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.
There is currently no suspect information. This incident is under investigation.
If you have any information regarding any violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymously), or Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at (309) 673-9000.

PEORIA COUNTY
MOTORCYCLE COLLISION/FATALITY
AUGUST 11, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEORIA COUNTY- On August 10, 2024, at approximately 9:55 pm, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, Chillicothe Police Department, the Illinois State Police, the Chillicothe Fire Department, Advanced Medical Transport, and OSF LifeFlight helicopter were called to North Rt. 29 at Knox for a motorcycle and pickup truck collision.

Sadly, the operator of the motorcycle, 58-year-old Floyd L. Henderson, and his wife, 51-year-old Leah R. Henderson, of North Von Achen Drive, Chillicothe, were both pronounced deceased on the scene following brief resuscitative efforts.

An autopsy is scheduled on Monday for the couple. The cause of the collision and other details remain under investigation by Crash ReconstructionistS with the Illinois State Police. Toxicology is pending per the Illinois Dater Statute.

We would like to thank the Chillicothe Fire Department, the Peoria County Sheriff's Office, the Chillicothe Police Department, and the Illinois State Police, who graciously assisted us with Floyd and Leah's care. We genuinely appreciate it.

This release will be updated.

# # #

This is such a tragic story for this little
Girl and her family. Something good did come of it, however. Here is a snippet from the article:

“ Since Sydney’s death, her parents have learned that her 11-year-old brother Evan also has Addison’s disease, according to the family’s GoFundMe.

“Our primary focus now is on Evan, and ensuring his well-being,” the GoFundMe’s organizer Rebecca Lichtenberg wrote. “We are dedicated to managing his health and conducting genetic testing for our family to deepen our understanding and trace the impacts for our health.”

Hopefully this story can bring more awareness of the disease to clinicians and pediatricians so it's capture and treated early.

8-Year-Old Sydney Weston Who Died After Mid-Flight Emergency Had Undiagnosed Disease, Coroner Says (Exclusive) Sydney Weston, who became unresponsive while onboard a plane with her family on June 13, had an undiagnosed disease, according to the coroner.

*****************FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**************

August 5, 2024

Peoria County- On July 29, 2024, at approximately 3:00 pm, police, fire, and EMS were called to I-74 East at the North Knoxville exit off-ramp for a man down approximately 20 feet from his motorcycle.

The male, 20-year-old Carson E. Guymon, of Springfield Rd., East Peoria, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center unresponsive, with labor breathing, and in critical condition.

Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts and supportive care, sadly, Guymon was pronounced deceased at OSF at 1:59 a.m. in the early morning of August 4th.

Guymon suffered multiple severe blunt-force trauma injuries. Toxicology is pending per Illinois State Statute. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police. It is unknown whether Guymon was wearing a helmet.

***************************UPDATE****************************
A cause of death has been exclusively determined in the death of little Sydney Weston of Carl Junction, MO. After consideration of the circumstances surrounding her death in correlation with a review of the medical records and after a complete autopsy with extensive ancillary studies, the cause of death has been determined to be complications of chronic primary adrenalitis in the setting of multiple infections, including Strep and Enterovirus. Infections can be associated with precipitating an acute adrenal insufficiency crisis in the presence of chronic adrenal disease. Little Weston also had duodenitis (inflammation in the first part of your small intestine) and thyroiditis (a general term for thyroid gland inflammation). The associated diagnoses of chronic adrenalitis, duodenitis, and thyroiditis are suggestive of an underlying autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is when your immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells of your organs and tissues, disrupting their normal operating function.

Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the Weston family during this difficult time.

# # #

In-Flight Medical Emergency
PCSO Incident # 24-3693
Released by: Sheriff Chris Watkins

(Peoria County, IL) – Thursday, June 13th, 2024, at approximately 7:00 am, Peoria County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to 6100 W. Everett McKinley Dirksen Parkway on a flight landing at the Peoria International Airport for a medical emergency. The commercial flight originated from Joplin, Missouri and was intended to land in Chicago. When the plane landed Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately received the 8-year-old female child and began life-saving measures. The child was transported to a local hospital by AMT where she was unfortunately pronounced deceased. Please keep the child's family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers.

In the continuum of the release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

The male, 31-year-old Quinterius Evans, of Peoria, was discovered on scene unresponsive, not breathing, and with no pulse, he was sadly pronounced deceased 4:14 am on scene.

An autopsy on Mr. Evans demonstrates that he suffered multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body, suffered an immediate loss of his intravascular blood volume, and died instantly.

This case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department.

Homicide
PPD Incident #24-15407

(PEORIA, IL) Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at approximately 3:39 a.m. Peoria Police were dispatched to the 2500 block of W. Garden regarding two separate Shot Spotter alerts indicating 10 rounds fired back-to-back, totaling 20 rounds fired.
When officers arrived, they located an adult male (31 years old) lying in the road with multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately performed life-saving measures, but the victim died from his injuries.
The identity of the victim and cause of death will be released by the Peoria County Coroner.
Members of the Peoria Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Crime Scene Unit (CSU), and Patrol Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.
There is currently no suspect information. This incident is under investigation.
If you have any information regarding this incident or any violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymously), or Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at (309) 673-9000.

***************UPDATE***********

Autopsy findings on Mr. Wilson demonstrates that he suffered a single gunshot would to the chest, and suffered immediate loss of his intravascular blood volume. He died instantly. This case remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.
**************************************

In addition to the release on behalf of the Peoria Police Department:

Mr. Wilson III, 46, of W. Sherman, Peoria, was transported to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical unresponsive, not breathing, and with no pulse. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, Mr. Wilson was pronounced deceased at OSF in the trauma room at 1:22 pm this afternoon.

Autopsy on Mr. Wilson is scheduled for tomorrow. The Peoria County Coroner’s office will continue to work in tandem with the Illinois State Police on this investigation, per Illinois State Statute.

This release will be update.

# # #

Statement From the Office of the Chief of Police

Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 12:33 p.m. four Peoria Police officers responded to the 1800 block of W. Sherman Avenue on a call for assistance with a violent male. Officers were able to identify
the individual as 46-year-old Donald Wilson, who had a warrant for a violation of an order of protection.
While officers were on the scene, Mr. Wilson fled into the garage, started a fire, armed himself with a digging shovel, and began swinging it at the officers. Two officers deployed their
Conductive Energy Weapon (Taser). One officer discharged his firearm.
Despite life-saving measures by Peoria Police officers, Peoria Fire Department, and AMT, Mr. Wilson died from his injuries.
All four officers have been placed on critical incident leave per department policy. Illinois State Police is conducting the investigation.
The Peoria Police Department is committed to providing an open and transparent investigation. The Peoria Police Department will cooperate fully with the Illinois State Police to ensure an accurate investigation.

In addition to the below release from the Peoria Police Department:

The male, 44-year-old Lawrence Jones, of North Linsley Court, Peoria, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, sadly, he was pronounced deceased at OSF in the ER at 2:26 am.

An autopsy on Jones demonstrated that he suffered a gunshot wound to the back and suffered a severe and rapid loss of blood. He likely died instantly.

This case remains under investigation by the Peoria Police Department Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and the Peoria County Coroner’s Office. If you have any information regarding this incident or any violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymously), or Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at (309) 673-9000.

Homicide
PPD Incident #24-14471

(PEORIA, IL) Thursday, July 11, 2024, at approximately 1:47 a.m. Peoria Police were conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2100 block of W. Gilbert when they heard gunshots nearby.
While conducting a search of the area officers located a wrecked vehicle in the front yard of a residence in the 2100 block of W. Forrest Hill.
When officers approached the vehicle, they located an adult male (44 years old) inside with an apparent gunshot wound.
The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim’s identity and cause of death will be released by the Peoria County Coroner.
Members of the Peoria Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Crime Scene Unit (CSU), and Patrol Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation.
There is currently no suspect information. This incident is under investigation.
If you have any information regarding this incident or any violent crimes, please contact the Peoria Police Department at (309) 673-4521, tip411 (anonymously), or Crime Stoppers (anonymously) at (309) 673-9000.

*****************************UPDATE**********************

Tragically, the male discovered in the river on Saturday has been positively identified as 14-year-old Leron Griffin of Bloomington. The autopsy on the teen demonstrates that he died from drowning. He had likely been in the water for no more than two days. Additionally, there was no evidence of any perpetrated trauma or injury. His toxicology is pending.

Understandably, several questions remain that cannot be answered at this time. The Peoria County Sheriff's Office is investigating the when, where, why, and how he entered the water. Those questions can hopefully be answered in the coming weeks once the investigation is completed.

Our thoughts are with Leron's family and friends.

See release on behalf of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office.

*******FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE******

Peoria County, IL) Saturday, July 6th, 2024, at approximately 09:32 a.m., the Peoria County Sheriff's Office responded to a body found in the Illinois River behind Liberty Steel at 7000 S. Adam St., Bartonville. The body was found by a fisherman in the water approximately 300 yards southwest of the Shade-Lohmann Bridge near the Peoria Lock and Dam. The body was on the Peoria County side of the river caught on the dam. The body found is a black male, age unknown. The age is unknown due to the condition of how the body was found. It appears the male has been in the river for at least 24 hours. The Peoria County Sheriff's Office, Bartonville Police, Fondulac Park PD, Department of Natural Resource, and the Peoria County Coroner responded to the scene. The Fondulac Park District's Officers retrieved the body from the river using their boat.

The identity and manner of death is still under investigation. Preliminary findings show no obvious signs of trauma. Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood will release more details when there is an identification made and after the autopsy. Please contact Detective Meeks at 309-696-7112 if you have any information that could help us identify the male or any other information that could be helpful. We have included the shirt the male was found wearing and the pendant he was wearing also. Individuals can also submit a tip through CrimeStoppers or our Sheriff's App.

The inmate, 31-year-old Wayne Hatton, whose last known address was the Salvation Army Family Shelter, was pronounced deceased at 1:54 a.m. at Carle Health Methodist after being discovered unresponsive at the Peoria County jail.

An autopsy on Hatton was inconclusive at this time; there were no lethal injuries on exam, despite the report of an altercation the previous night. Biopsies and toxicology testing are pending, and those tests generally take four to six weeks to result.

This release will be updated.

# # #

July 2nd, 2024
Jail Detainee Death
Case: 24-4095
Released by: Sheriff Chris Watkins

(Peoria County, IL) - On July 2nd, 2024 at approximately 12:48 a.m. Correctional Officers discovered a male detainee unresponsive in a holding cell by himself. The Officer called for assistance and began life-saving measures along with jail medical staff. Several rounds of Narcan and Epinephrine were administered with no effect. AMT and Limestone Fire also responded and gave life-saving measures. The male was transported to Carle Hospital but was later pronounced deceased.

The 31 year old male was arrested by Peoria PD at approximately 7:15 p.m. earlier in the night for Battery, Assault, Criminal Damage to Property, and Criminal Trespass to Property from an incident at a restaurant in downtown Peoria. The male was transported by Peoria PD to a local hospital for an injury to his foot and was treated and released. Peoria PD then transported the male to the Peoria County Jail and was received by our staff at approximately 10:20 p.m. The male was placed in a holding cell by himself due to having a medical boot on his foot from the incident earlier involving his arrest. Officers checked on the male numerous times during his short time at the jail. When officers checked on him at 12:48 a.m. that is when they found him unresponsive. The Illinois State Police was contacted immediately and has taken over the investigation per our policy. Out of the sense of transparency, we wanted to put as much information out to the public on this incident in a timely manner.

The incident is being investigated by the Illinois State Police and the Peoria County Coroner's Office. There are no initial signs of foul play.

July 1, 2024
Peoria County Case 24-1752
Motorcycle Fatality

June 30, 2024 - Tazewell County- On Sunday, at approximately 8:34 pm, police, fire, and EMS were called to 10306 Manito Rd, Manito for a single-vehicle motorcycle collision.

On arrival, the operator of the motorcycle, 39-year-old Jacob Smith of South Washington Street, Manito, who was initially alert but confused, was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL, in critical condition.

While at OSF, his condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts and surgical intervention, he was sadly pronounced deceased at 11:53 pm in the operating room.

Smith suffered multiple blunt force head and chest trauma injuries and severe internal hemorrhaging that, despite intervention, were not survivable. Toxicology is pending per Illinois State Statute. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

************************UPDATE*****************

The preliminary autopsy was inconclusive and pending several studies. However, there was no evidence of foul play and no signs of abuse or neglect.

We will be awaiting histology, biopsies, cultures, blood hematology and chemistry, and toxicology testing. These tests generally take 4-6 weeks to result. Once we have those tests completed, it is our hope that we will be able to provide a definitive and exact cause of death for this little girl and give her family some answers.

# # #
In reference to the below release on behalf of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department:

The child, 8-year-old Sydney Weston, of Carl Junction, MO, was traveling with her family for vacation when she suddenly became ill and then unresponsive in flight. Her family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition, and they began rapidly rendering aid. Upon landing in Peoria, she was not breathing and had no pulse. Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately began life-saving measures.

Little Weston was emergently transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where, despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, she was pronounced deceased at 8:05 am this morning.

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, and this release will be updated with more following those preliminary findings.

In-Flight Medical Emergency
PCSO Incident # 24-3693
Released by: Sheriff Chris Watkins

(Peoria County, IL) – Thursday, June 13th, 2024, at approximately 7:00 am, Peoria County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to 6100 W. Everett McKinley Dirksen Parkway on a flight landing at the Peoria International Airport for a medical emergency. The commercial flight originated from Joplin, Missouri and was intended to land in Chicago. When the plane landed Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately received the 8-year-old female child and began life-saving measures. The child was transported to a local hospital by AMT where she was unfortunately pronounced deceased. Please keep the child's family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers.

In reference to the below release on behalf of the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department:

The child, 8-year-old Sydney Weston, of Carl Junction, MO, was traveling with her family for vacation when she suddenly became ill and then unresponsive in flight. Her family immediately notified the flight personnel of her condition, and they began rapidly rendering aid. Upon landing in Peoria, she was not breathing and had no pulse. Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately began life-saving measures.

Little Weston was emergently transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where, despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, she was pronounced deceased at 8:05 am this morning.

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, and this release will be updated with more following those preliminary findings.

# # #

In-Flight Medical Emergency
PCSO Incident # 24-3693
Released by: Sheriff Chris Watkins

(Peoria County, IL) – Thursday, June 13th, 2024, at approximately 7:00 am, Peoria County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to 6100 W. Everett McKinley Dirksen Parkway on a flight landing at the Peoria International Airport for a medical emergency. The commercial flight originated from Joplin, Missouri and was intended to land in Chicago. When the plane landed Deputies, AMT Personnel, and Air National Guard Fire personnel immediately received the 8-year-old female child and began life-saving measures. The child was transported to a local hospital by AMT where she was unfortunately pronounced deceased. Please keep the child's family and everyone who was involved in this traumatic experience in your thoughts and prayers.

In reference to the below release by the Peoria County Sheriffs Department:

Autopsy on the gentleman in the fire, Daulton Simmers, 28, of West Peoria demonstrates that he unfortunately suffered severe thermal burns throughout his entire body and likely died within a matter of seconds from onset of the incident. Toxicology is pending. The cause of the fire in the incident remains under investigation by the Peoria County Sheriff's Office and OSHA.

Fatal Occupational Fire
PCSO Incident # 24-3557
Released by: Sheriff Chris Watkins

(Mapleton, IL) – Thursday, June 6th, 2024, at approximately 5:00 pm, Peoria County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to 8826 Route 24 at the Caterpillar Mapleton Foundry on a fire with a possible fatality. Upon arrival, deputies observed a fire in the foundry and confirmed there was an individual deceased.

The Peoria County Sheriff's Office, Timber-Hollis Fire Department, and AMT responded to the scene. The accident is still under investigation by the Peoria County Sheriff's Office. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Peoria County Coroner at a later time, pending notifications. The fire is out, but deputies and firefighters are still on the scene.