Two killed in three-vehicle crash outside of Pittsfield on Tuesday night on Illinois Route 106

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — A Pittsfield High School student and a 68-year-old woman from Pittsfield were killed in a Tuesday night crash involving three vehicles on Illinois Route 106.

The name of the 68-year-old woman has not yet been released. Superintendent Todd Fox confirmed the death of Reese Ramsey, a freshman at Pittsfield High School, in a Facebook post on the Pikeland Community Unit School District Facebook page Wednesday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share devastating news with you about the sudden and tragic passing of one of our students, Reese Ramsey,” Fox wrote. “There are no words that can fully express the sorrow and pain we feel as a school community. 

“In the coming days, we will have counseling and resources available at Pikeland for anyone in need … not just our students. We encourage our parents to talk with their children and reach out if additional support is needed. Please keep the family of Reese Ramsey, those who were injured, and all who are affected in your thoughts and prayers. I will provide further updates as needed, but for now … we grieve together and stand united as a school family.”

Classes were cancelled on Wednesday in Pittsfield.

A preliminary investigation from the Illinois State Police indicates the accident occurred on Illinois 106, just east of 335^th Street, in Pittsfield Township at approximately 6:21 p.m.

A black 2016 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Eric Harris, 72, of Springfield was traveling east on Ilinois 106 behind an orange 2010 Case Magnum truck tractor. A silver 2014 Jeep driven by a female juvenile was traveling west on Illinois 106. The Silverado tried to pass the truck tractor and struck the Jeep in a head-on collision. The Silverado and the Jeep then struck the truck tractor, which overturned.

The ISP reported Harris, the driver of the Silverado and a female juvenile passenger in the Jeep were transported via Life Flight to local area hospitals with serious injuries. The driver of the tractor, Nathan Reed, 51, of Barry, was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

A passenger in the Silverado, a 68-year-old woman, and Ramsey were pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Harris was cited for improper lane usage.  

Illinois 106 was closed during the crash investigation. The highway reopened at approximately 1:56 a.m. Wednesday. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: The gender of the driver of the silver 2014 Jeep was incorrect in an earlier version of the story.