Josiah T. Koons, Cruz M. Watts, Christian S. Beckler Among Fatalities in Illinois Train Collision

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, at approximately 4:21 a.m., a collision occurred between a passenger vehicle and a freight train along US Route 45 at Shelby County Road 400 North, near Sigel, Illinois. The vehicle, driven by 19-year-old Wesley Carver of Neoga, was traveling westbound when it struck the southbound train toward the end of its length. The crossing was equipped with operational lights and gates at the time of the incident. The collision resulted in the deaths of all four occupants of the vehicle: the driver, Wesley Carver, and passengers Cruz M. Watts, 18, of Effingham; Josiah T. Koons, 21, of Neoga; and Christian S. Beckler, 18, of Sigel.

The freight train did not derail, and no injuries were reported among the train crew. The investigation into the collision is being conducted by the Effingham County Coroner’s Office, Shelby County Coroner’s Office, Heartland Towing, Sigel Fire Protection District, Effingham Fire Department, Neoga Fire Protection District, and the Illinois State Police. The roadway was closed for approximately five hours and reopened at 9:41 a.m.