Wesley E. Carver, Josiah T. Koons, Cruz M. Watts, and Christian S. Beckler die in fatal Shelby County train crash

Wesley E. Carver, Josiah T. Koons, Cruz M. Watts, and Christian S. Beckler die in fatal Shelby County train crash

Fatal Shelby County train crash deaths of Wesley E. Carver, Josiah T. Koons, Cruz M. Watts, and Christian S. Beckler – Obituary

Four young men lost their lives in a deadly collision with a train in rural Shelby County early Sunday morning. The Illinois State Police reported that the vehicle, carrying 19-year-old Wesley E. Carver of Neoga, along with passengers 21-year-old Josiah T. Koons of Neoga, 18-year-old Cruz M. Watts of Effingham, and 18-year-old Christian S. Beckler of Effingham, failed to stop at a railroad crossing on County Road 400 North. The crash occurred around 4:20 a.m. when the driver ran a stop sign and bypassed the crossing gates just before their vehicle struck an oncoming train.

All four occupants were killed instantly, while the train remained on the tracks without derailing. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of these young men.