MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – The driver involved in a deadly crash at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon has been arrested, according to a statement released by the Mattoon Police Department Friday afternoon.
Authorities say the incident occurred at 11:28 a.m., when a Nissan Pathfinder driven by Curtis Meadows, 54, slammed into the north wall of the nursing home, pinning two residents inside the facility. One woman died at the scene, and another was critically injured and airlifted to Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Just over 30 minutes after the crash, Meadows was taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated DUI, police said in their Facebook post.
The Coles County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased woman as 82-year-old Sharon Harpster, a resident at the nursing home. The second victim, an 86-year-old woman, remains in critical condition as of the latest report. The nursing home is working closely with local and state officials to assess the situation and ensure all safety protocols are being reviewed and reinforced. Support services have also been put in place for staff and residents as they cope with the emotional aftermath.
Mattoon Police are leading the investigation into what caused the crash. No further details about Meadows’ condition or charges have been released.