HOMER, IL (Chambana Today) — The Champaign County Coroner has released the identity of the person who was killed in Monday’s car crash near Homer. Coroner Laurie Brauer said the victim is Karen Parr, 82 of Newman. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at 1:08 p.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.
According to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a traffic crash with injuries on County Road 2500 East, just north of County Road 700 North. When deputies arrived, they found a single vehicle with extensive damage and its sole occupant inside. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators say preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling northbound when it gradually veered off the roadway to the east. Tire tracks in the gravel shoulder and ditch suggest the vehicle did not leave the roadway abruptly. The vehicle traveled about 100 feet before striking a tree in a ditch area near the 700 block of County Road 2500 East.
A passerby who did not witness the crash discovered the vehicle and attempted to help the driver. Authorities say the vehicle was already filled with smoke at that time. The passerby removed the driver and began CPR but stopped after determining the driver was deceased. Shortly afterward, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames and was declared a total loss.
No other occupants were found in or around the vehicle, and there was no indication that anyone was ejected.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office took custody of the decedent and will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The crash remains under investigation.