An Elgin man lost his life Monday morning after his Tesla collided with a semi-truck in Marshall County. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 37-year-old Alan Tsao. He was the sole occupant of the Tesla and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fatal crash happened around 10:40 a.m. at the intersection of Illinois State Routes 17 and 40. According to witnesses and dashcam footage reviewed by investigators, a semi-truck loaded with grain was making a turn from Route 40 onto Route 17. At the same time, Tsao’s Tesla was driving westbound and failed to stop at a posted stop sign. The car entered the intersection and slammed into the semi’s trailer.
Emergency crews, including medics, deputies, and firefighters, responded quickly. Despite their efforts, Tsao died from his injuries before he could be taken to a hospital. The driver of the semi-truck was not hurt. The crash site remained blocked off for several hours while investigators worked and cleanup was completed. The road reopened to traffic at about 5:25 p.m.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities have not said why Tsao failed to stop at the intersection. They are looking into whether distractions, a medical issue, or mechanical failure could have played a role. The Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit, the Marshall County Coroner’s Office, and local deputies are all involved in piecing together what happened.
Several agencies were part of the emergency response, including the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Stark County Ambulance, and fire departments from both Wyoming and Bradford. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) also helped redirect traffic during the investigation and cleanup efforts.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers that can come from even a single missed stop sign. Intersections are especially risky when large trucks are involved, and drivers are urged to stay alert and follow traffic signs carefully. As investigators continue to collect information, the community is left mourning a life lost far too soon. More details are expected to be released as the investigation moves forward.
