CHAMPAIGN – Funeral arrangements for a fallen Illinois state trooper have been announced.
The family of Corey Thompsen said in a news release shared by Illinois State Police that the visitation will be held October 26 from 1-5 p.m. at St. Joseph-Ogden High School in St. Joseph with a first responder walk through at 5 p.m.
The funeral will be held October 27 at 1 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign and the burial will take place Patterson Cemetery in St. Joseph.
In a statement, the family said Thompsen “became a hero” when he died in the line of duty last week.
“Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same. But we take comfort in knowing that he lived life to the fullest, he loved his family and friends deeply, and he died doing what he loved. “
Thompsen died on October 18 after his motorcycle was struck by a truck in northern Champaign County. The collision happened at County Road 1300 East and Leverett Road in northern Champaign County.
A truck driven by Helen Torres, 32 of Thomasboro was traveling south on County Road 1300 East and stopped at the intersection with Leverett Road. Torres then pulled into the roadway striking Thompsen’s motorcycle.
She was cited for not having a valid driver’s license. Thompsen succumbed to his injuries at Carle Hospital.
Governor JB Pritzker ordered all flags to be lowered in his honor. Thompsen’s family requests that the community show their support by lining the funeral procession route.