ROCHELLE, IL : Two killed in Lee County crash on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016

Two people from out of state are dead after a crash early Wednesday morning on Interstate 39 just south of the Rochelle exit, according to a news release from the State Police.

Officers responded after 1 a.m. Wednesday to the scene where a southbound 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer rear-ended a semitractor-trailer parked on the shoulder.

The truck’s driver, Rusty L. Garner, 44, of Union City, Tennessee, was flown to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, where he was in serious condition just before noon. Two passengers in the truck were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names will be released once next of kin are notified.

Garner was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, improper lane usage, driving while license revoked and illegal transportation of alcohol.

According to Lt. Michael Kuehl, the semi driver was not in his vehicle at the time of the crash.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department, Rochelle and Stewart Fire departments, and Illinois Department of Transportation also responded.

Source :
Two killed in Lee County crash