Updated on Friday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m.
CHAMPAIGN — A Tennessee man is under arrest and charged in connection with a crash that killed a road worker in Champaign.
On Wednesday morning, a vehicle hit and killed Steven Cornett, a road worker who is also a retired police chief from the Village of Tilton.
The 65-year-old died at the scene. The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office said that a 29-year-old man from Tennessee has been charged with one count of reckless homicide, according to several reports.
Quamaine Fletcher reportedly admitted speeding through the construction zone while also trying to pick up a phone that fell in his vehicle’s car when he crashed into a parked construction truck.
A procession will be held in Cornett’s honor starting in Urbana Friday morning and ending in Tilton, according to the Village of Tilton.
Original story on Thursday, May 29 at 4:30 p.m.
CHAMPAIGN — A member of a road crew killed in Champaign on Wednesday has been identified.
Steven Cornett was a retired police chief from the Village of Tilton.The Champaign County Coroner’s Office said the 65-year-old from Danville died after being struck by a vehicle on I-74 near the I-57 interchange around 4:45 a.m.
The Village of Tilton police said in a Facebook post that Cornett served in the department from 1984 until 2017. He rose through the ranks from patrolman to police chief until his retirement. Memorial services are pending.
“He was far more than a public servant. He was a pillar of Tilton, a protector, and a friend to all who knew him,” the village said. “Throughout his long career, he served with unwavering integrity, deep compassion, and a steady hand.”
The Illinois Department of Transportation also released a statement regarding the incident expressing condolences for Cornett’s death, who was a contract worker for the department.
IDOT also advises drivers who are making their way through work zones where construction is happening to slow down, give “undivided attention” to the road and be mindful of workers.
Illinois State Police and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office are investigating the crash.