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.