Chasity Stavenhagen dies in fatal Lee County car crash

Chasity Stavenhagen dies in fatal Lee County car crash

Fatal Lee County car crash death of Chasity Stavenhagen – Obituary

Chasity Stavenhagen, a 16-year-old from Earlville, lost her life on June 9 in a collision involving a semi-truck at the intersection of Route 251 and Chicago Road in Lee County, Illinois, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say she was behind the wheel of a blue Chevrolet pickup heading west when the vehicle entered the path of an oncoming semi and was struck.

She was pronounced dead at the crash site. A 20-year-old passenger in her truck, from West Brooklyn, was first taken to a nearby hospital and later flown to a medical facility in Rockford. He remains in critical condition.

The driver of the semi, a 62-year-old man from Sublette, was not injured and was cleared at the scene.

The area was shut down for several hours as emergency crews responded. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office used a drone and reconstruction specialist to aid the investigation, with help from Illinois State Police, multiple EMS teams, the coroner’s office, and the Department of Transportation.

Chasity, a junior at Earlville High School, was remembered as an outstanding student who actively participated in band, track, and softball. She also enjoyed photography and video games. Outside of school, she worked in the e-commerce department at Blain’s Farm and Fleet in Ottawa.

In a message to families, Superintendent Brian Dukes expressed sorrow over the tragedy, describing Chasity as a cherished member of the school community. He also shared details about grief counseling resources available at the school to help students and staff cope with the loss.