EARLVILLE, IL — A tragic crash has claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl from Earlville, leaving a tight-knit LaSalle County community in mourning. Chasity Stavenhagen, a junior at Earlville High School, died Monday, June 9, in a two-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck at the intersection of Route 251 and Chicago Road in nearby Lee County.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Stavenhagen was driving a blue Chevrolet pickup westbound on Chicago Road when she entered the intersection and pulled into the path of a semi-tractor trailer. The semi struck her vehicle, resulting in a devastating impact that caused fatal injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 20-year-old male passenger from West Brooklyn who was riding with Stavenhagen suffered serious injuries. He was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to a trauma center in Rockford, where he remains in critical condition. The driver of the semi, a 62-year-old man from Sublette, was not injured and cooperated with authorities before being released from the scene.
Emergency crews shut down the intersection for several hours following the crash. The Lee County Sheriff’s crash reconstruction team, assisted by a drone pilot, worked alongside Illinois State Police, Paw Paw Fire and EMS, and the Lee County Coroner’s Office to collect evidence and document the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and no citations have been issued at this time.
Stavenhagen’s death has sent shockwaves through Earlville, where she was remembered as a bright, kind, and talented student. A junior at Earlville High School, Chasity was active in extracurricular activities, including track, softball, and the school band. She was known for her dedication, her passion for music, and her positive presence both in and out of the classroom. Her sudden passing has deeply affected students, teachers, and families throughout the area.
Grief counselors have been made available at Earlville High School to support students coping with the loss. As the investigation continues, the community rallies around the Stavenhagen family, offering condolences and remembering a young life full of promise. Authorities urge anyone with information about the crash to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
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