Samuel Baumgarte Involved in Fatal Crash on Highway 51

On June 16, 2025, a fatal crash occurred on Highway 51 south of Elkville, near the intersection of Truax Traer Road in Jackson County, Illinois. The incident involved a semi-tractor trailer driven by Samuel Baumgarte, 37, of Grand Tower, Illinois, and a passenger car. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Baumgarte was traveling northbound when a southbound Mazda crossed into his lane. Despite Baumgarte's attempt to avoid the collision by veering to the right, the vehicles collided. The Mazda caught fire, and its driver succumbed to injuries at the scene. Baumgarte sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. The highway was closed for approximately five hours while the scene was cleared. The crash is under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction team, with assistance from the Illinois State Police.