URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — One person is dead and another injured following a traffic collision involving two motorcycles and a semi-truck Wednesday evening on Cunningham Avenue near the Interstate 74 eastbound on-ramp.
According to a statement from the Urbana Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. on September 10. Preliminary findings indicate that the driver of the semi-truck, 37-year-old Hugo Bautista-Perez, was attempting to make a left turn when he failed to yield to oncoming traffic, striking two motorcycles traveling northbound on Cunningham Avenue.
One motorcyclist sustained fatal injuries and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of family. The second rider suffered minor injuries and was treated and released.
Mr. Bautista-Perez was issued a citation for failure to yield the right-of-way while turning left. The Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction Team responded to assist in the investigation, which prompted the closure of northbound Cunningham Avenue for several hours.
“This is a tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim,” the Urbana Police Department said in a statement. “We thank the public for their patience and understanding during the extended road closure.”
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time. They also reminded the public that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact Urbana Police at 217-384-2320. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS (8477), online at 373tips.com, or via the P3 Tips mobile app. Crime Stoppers assures the public that all tips are completely anonymous.