Richard W. Dietrich, Edward Dietrich Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the names of the victims involved in a devastating crash that claimed three lives Thursday on US Route 24 in Brown County, Illinois. The incident involved a violent head-on collision between two vehicles traveling in opposite directions near the intersection of County Road 200 East Street.
The Duker and Haugh Funeral Home confirmed that Richard W. Dietrich, 89, and Edward Dietrich, 62, both residents of Quincy, Illinois, were among those killed in the collision. On Friday, Brown County Sheriff Justin Oliver also identified the third victim as Donna J. Stephenson, 78, of Timewell, Illinois.
The crash occurred when a Toyota Avalon, which was heading westbound on Route 24, crossed into the eastbound lane and collided directly with a Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The impact was catastrophic and resulted in immediate fatalities as well as severe injuries to the survivors who were transported to local medical centers.
According to authorities, the driver of the Toyota Avalon, later identified as Donna J. Stephenson, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The collision’s force was so intense that emergency responders had no opportunity to revive her on-site.
The Chrysler minivan, carrying Richard and Edward Dietrich, was traveling east at the time of the crash. Both men sustained critical injuries in the impact and were rushed to area hospitals for emergency care. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical staff, both succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival.
Emergency personnel, including Brown County deputies and first responders from surrounding areas, arrived quickly at the scene to assess the situation, secure the area, and begin their investigation into the cause of the crash. The section of US Route 24 where the collision occurred was temporarily shut down for several hours as law enforcement conducted an on-site examination and cleared the wreckage.
As of now, investigators have not disclosed what may have caused the Toyota Avalon to veer into the opposite lane. Weather conditions at the time have not been reported as a contributing factor, and it remains unclear whether driver distraction, fatigue, a medical emergency, or a mechanical failure played any role.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Illinois State Police, is continuing a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials are expected to review available evidence, including vehicle data, roadway markings, and any eyewitness accounts that might help determine the sequence of events.
The tragic accident has left a deep impact on the local communities of Quincy and Timewell. Friends and family members of the victims have begun mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones. Richard and Edward Dietrich were known in Quincy as longtime residents, while Donna Stephenson was a familiar and respected figure in Timewell.
Funeral arrangements are currently underway, and services are expected to be announced soon. Community members have begun offering condolences and support to the grieving families during this difficult time.
The fatal crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise in a moment on rural highways like US Route 24, where high-speed travel and narrow lanes can quickly turn tragic under the wrong circumstances. Local authorities continue to urge drivers to remain vigilant and cautious, particularly on roads with two-way traffic and limited barriers between opposing lanes.
The investigation into Thursday’s crash remains active. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Brown County Sheriff’s Office. Any additional insight could help authorities piece together a more complete picture of how the fatal collision occurred.
As the community grapples with the loss, officials are working to ensure that the facts are fully understood and that any lessons from the tragedy can be used to prevent similar accidents in the future. The names of those lost in the crash now stand as a painful testament to the fragility of life and the importance of road safety for all who travel Illinois’ rural routes.
