UPDATE: Driver of Memorial Day fatal crash still in Blessing Hospital

May 30, 2022 | By Muddy River News

QUINCY — Breeden Wike is facing at least one felony charge, according to Adams County State’s Attorney Gary Farha, but the 20-year-old Quincy man has not yet been charged because he remains a patient in Blessing Hospital with injuries he sustained in the Monday morning crash at 12th and Locust.

An arrest warrant for reckless homicide and aggravated reckless driving has been issued for Wike. Bond has been set at $250,000. Wike is being guarded by police, and when he is released from the hospital, he will be transported to and lodged in the Adams County Jail.

Kayla Smith, 39, was killed in the two-car crash as the truck allegedly driven by Wike hit the woman’s car.

Farha said Wike will be charged after he is discharged from Blessing, with the possibility there will be more than one felony charge.

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A woman was pronounced dead Monday morning at the scene of a crash between a truck and an SUV at the intersection of 12th and Locust.

The Quincy Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Adams County Ambulance and the Quincy Fire Department were dispatched to 12^th and Locust in reference to a traffic crash at approximately 8:27 a.m. An investigation revealed that a red 1999 Ford Ranger driven by Breeden Wike, 20, of 840 State was westbound and ran the red light at 12^th and Locust. A blue 2009 Kia Sorento driven by a 39-year-old woman was traveling south on 12^th Street and was struck by Wike’s truck in the driver’s side.

The 39-year-old woman was pronounced deceased. Coroner Scott Graham will not release the name of the woman until family members have been notified.

Adams County Ambulance Service transported Wike to Blessing Hospital, where he is being treated there. The Illinois State Police was contacted and performed a traffic crash reconstruction at the scene. Wike was issued citations for reckless driving and disobeying a traffic light. He was released while at Blessing Hospital. Other charges may be pending further investigation.