Illinois State Police finally identified all seven people killed in I-55 dust storm pileup
More than a week after the crash, Illinois State Police (ISP) have identified all of the people who lost their lives in a pileup caused by blowing dust.
The pileup occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on May 1, 2023 on both northbound and southbound I-55 between mile markers 72 and 78, near Farmersville in Montgomery County.
Seventy-two vehicles, including many semi trucks, were involved in the crash.
On Thursday, May 11, ISP was able to release a full list of the people who suffered fatal injuries in the pileup:
- Otto Medina-Salazar, 58 year old from Carthage, MO
- Shirley Harper, 88 year old from Franklin, WI
- Joseph Bates, 73 year old from Crystal Lake, IL
- Donna Bates, 71 year old from Crystal Lake, IL
- Earl LeGrand, 64 year-old from Florissant, MO
- Michael Zinchuk, 55 year old from Champaign, IL
- Amy Zinchuk, 54 year old from Champaign, IL
Thirty-seven other people were hospitalized with injuries.
“ISP recognizes the impact of this tragic event and offers its condolences to families and friends mourning their loss. ISP thanks all its first responder partners and sister agencies for their tremendous work and assistance during this incident,” troopers said.