Kyle L. Jepson Obituary, Death – The Peoria County Coroner has confirmed the identity of a 31-year-old man who was discovered deceased on Tuesday in a wrecked vehicle located southwest of Peoria. Coroner Jamie Harwood reported that Kyle L. Jepson, a resident of Mapleton, was declared dead at 12:44 p.m. on Tuesday after sheriff’s deputies located him in a crashed car situated in the 10300 block of Smithville Road. Harwood noted that Jepson suffered multiple blunt force injuries and likely died instantly.
A toxicology analysis is currently pending. Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins indicated that deputies were dispatched to the scene at 11:26 a.m. following a report regarding a damaged culvert. Local property owners had discovered Jepson’s vehicle overturned and crashed in a wooded area nearby. Upon arrival, deputies found the car positioned at least 40 yards into the trees from the road and had to navigate through brush to reach Jepson’s vehicle. Upon their arrival, he exhibited no signs of life and was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
No additional individuals were present in the vehicle with Jepson. The exact timing of the crash remains uncertain; however, nearby residents reported to sheriff’s deputies that they heard the sound of a tree falling around 9 p.m. on Monday. Sheriff Watkins stated that speed may have contributed to Jepson’s fatality, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
