DECATUR, IL — Authorities have identified the man who died following a two-vehicle collision in Decatur on Friday afternoon as 68-year-old Paul A. Lyons. The Macon County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity after he succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m. near the intersection of W. Rock Springs Road and Westgate Drive.
According to initial reports from local law enforcement, Lyons was driving a Chrysler PT Cruiser and was stopped in the eastbound lane of W. Rock Springs Road. However, the vehicle was facing the wrong direction — pointing westbound — when the crash occurred. For reasons that are still under investigation, Lyons attempted to turn right and cross the westbound lane to enter a nearby driveway.
During this maneuver, his PT Cruiser was struck on the passenger side by a Chevrolet pickup truck that was traveling westbound. The impact caused severe damage to the PT Cruiser and left Lyons critically injured. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital, but despite medical efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
The pickup truck was driven by an 18-year-old, who had a juvenile passenger with him at the time of the crash. Both sustained minor injuries and were also taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have indicated that there is no evidence to suggest that drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash on the part of the young driver.
As of now, the Decatur Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Investigators are working to determine what caused Lyons to make the unexpected turn and whether any additional factors, such as visibility issues or mechanical failure, played a role in the collision.
The tragic loss of Paul A. Lyons has left family and community members grieving. Officials have not announced any charges in the case, and further updates are expected as more details become available. Law enforcement is urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them to assist in completing the investigation.
