PREEMPTION, Ill. – The Mercer County community is mourning the loss of two men following a devastating head-on collision that occurred Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Route 67 near Preemption.
According to Mercer County Coroner Greg Larson, the victims have been identified as 63-year-old Michael Millizer of East Moline and 70-year-old Robert Haskins of Matherville. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The fatal crash happened on July 23, when a southbound vehicle crossed the center line, colliding head-on with a northbound vehicle. Authorities confirmed that each driver was the sole occupant of their respective vehicle at the time of the crash.
A large emergency response followed, involving the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Matherville and Sherrard Fire Departments, Advanced Medical Transport, Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Mercer County Coroner’s Office.
The tragic incident has left both communities reeling, as friends and family remember Michael Millizer and Robert Haskins for the lives they lived and the impact they made.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is still underway by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois State Police. No additional details have been released at this time.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging drivers to remain vigilant and cautious on rural highways, where even a momentary lapse can have devastating consequences. Thoughts and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of both victims during this time of sorrow.
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