ISP trooper killed in Champaign County

This afternoon, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly provided an update on the line-of-duty death of ISP Trooper Corey S. Thompsen.

At approximately 3:42 p.m. on October 18, 2024, Trooper Thompsen was on-duty finishing a traffic enforcement detail traveling east on East Leverett Road approaching 1300 E. in Champaign County. ​ A truck, driven by 32-year-old Helen Torres of Thomasboro, IL, was traveling south on County Road 1300 E. and stopped at the intersection with Leverett Road. ​ Torres then pulled into the roadway striking Trooper Thompsen’s motorcycle. A witness provided aid until first responders arrived and took Trooper Thompsen to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 4:32 p.m. ​ Torres was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Torres was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way at a Stop Intersection and No Valid Driver’s License – Expired Less than 1 Year.

“This is a sad moment. ​ We are hurting. Corey’s brothers and sisters in motor enforcement, Special Operation Group, Troop 7, patrol, the Zone, Vermilion Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and across ISP are hurting,” said ISP Director Kelly. ​ “Corey’s family is hurting badly today. This is the first, and I hope the last, trooper who I personally administered the oath of an ISP officer to that I’ve lost in a line of duty death. The first and I hope the last Trooper who I’ve seen at the beginning of their watch and at the end of their watch. I ask for your thoughts, your love, and your prayers and good will for his family and his Illinois State Police family.”

Trooper Thompsen was 28 years old and served almost five years as an officer with ISP. ​ Trooper Thompsen was assigned to the Special Operations Group Fatal Four team. ​ He is survived by his wife Chelsea, mother Susan, father Steve, and brothers.

ISP would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance and support.
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• Thomasboro Fire Department
• Champaign County Sheriff’s Department
• Champaign Police Department
• University of Illinois Police Department, Chaplain and therapy dogs
• Urbana Fire Department
• Champaign Fire Department and Rural Fire Agencies
• Carle Arrow Ambulance
• Carle Emergency Department and Trauma Staff
• Champaign County Coroner’s Office
• Illinois State Police Chaplain
• FOP Troopers Lodge #41
• Illinois COPS program