DOWELL, Ill. — A motorcycle crash early Saturday resulted in one fatality and injuries in rural Dowell.
At approximately 2:59 a.m. on October 11, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded to a two-motorcycle collision on Dowell Road, near Chammess Road.
Preliminary investigations indicate that two motorcycles, operated by 22-year-olds Collin Rice of Blue Island and Tyler Hill of Marion, were traveling westbound on Dowell Road. Witnesses reported that while Rice was attempting to overtake Hill, the motorcycles may have made contact, resulting in Rice losing control and crashing. He was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said Hill managed to slow down and crash more safely, sustaining a non-life-threatening injury. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
JCSO confirmed that neither motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, and alcohol impairment is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash. The JCSO Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is conducting an investigation into the cause and circumstances.
Emergency response included assistance from the Jackson County Ambulance Service, Dowell Fire Department, Elkville Fire Department, and the Jackson County Coroner’s Office.
This incident has led to an outpouring of grief, including a letter from Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane, offering condolences and counseling services for the community following Rice’s death.