Tragic Crash at Mattoon Nursing Home Claims Life of Sharon Harpster
On May 2, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon, Illinois, when a Nissan Pathfinder, driven by 54-year-old Curtis Meadows, crashed into the north wall of the nursing home, claiming the life of 82-year-old resident Sharon Harpster and leaving an 86-year-old resident in critical condition. According to the Mattoon Police Department, the vehicle failed to negotiate the T-intersection of Logan Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, veered through a field, and struck the facility, pinning both women—residents of the same room—against a wall. Sharon Harpster was pronounced dead at the scene by the Coles County Coroner’s Office, while the second victim was airlifted to Carle Hospital in Urbana, where she remains under intensive care. Meadows, who was unharmed and coherent following the crash, was arrested at 12:05 p.m. on suspicion of aggravated DUI and is cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.
The Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home issued a formal statement expressing profound sadness and extending condolences to the families affected, while reaffirming their commitment to resident and staff safety. Emergency personnel responded promptly, and the nursing home is working closely with city and state officials to investigate the cause and assess the situation. The Mattoon Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation, with toxicology testing underway to determine the factors contributing to this devastating event.
