LOVES PARK, IL — A 70-year-old Rockford man was killed in a car crash over the weekend while trying to make a left turn at a busy intersection in Loves Park. On Monday, the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Kevin Barbour. The deadly collision happened around noon on Sunday, June 8, at the intersection of East Riverside Boulevard and Pebble Creek Trail.
According to police, Barbour was attempting to turn left from East Riverside onto Pebble Creek Trail when his vehicle was struck by a westbound car. The impact left Barbour critically injured. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, where they found him unresponsive and not breathing. Paramedics immediately performed life-saving measures and transported him to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
The Loves Park Police Department and the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office have opened an investigation to determine what led to the crash. Officials have not released the identity of the other driver or said whether that person was injured. It is also unclear if any citations or charges will be issued in connection with the crash.
Investigators are looking into whether any factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or poor visibility played a role in the incident. They are collecting evidence from the scene, reviewing surveillance video, and speaking with witnesses to better understand how the collision occurred. The results of the coroner’s full report may also provide additional insight.
Barbour’s death has deeply saddened the Rockford community. Friends, neighbors, and family members are mourning the sudden loss of a man who, according to those who knew him, was friendly, dependable, and well-respected. His passing is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by traffic accidents.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers drivers face at intersections, especially when making left turns across traffic. Local officials may review safety at East Riverside and Pebble Creek Trail to see if improvements are needed. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has useful information to come forward. Their goal is to bring clarity to what happened and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
