William Whitsel Dies in Argenta Truck Accident on Claremont Street – December 6, 2025

On December 6, 2025, William Whitsel, a 50-year-old resident of Decatur, Illinois, suffered a fatal accident while operating a truck with a street leaf vacuum attachment in Argenta along Claremont Street. At approximately 3:00 p.m., for reasons not yet determined, Whitsel fell from the rear of the vehicle and was subsequently run over by the trailer’s wheels. He was transported to Decatur Memorial Hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts.

Authorities in Macon County continue to investigate the incident. Illinois law mandates that employers maintain safe working conditions, including the provision of appropriate fall protection, guardrails, and safety inspections for equipment. The incident underscores the inherent risks of workplace operations involving moving vehicles. Whitsel’s surviving family may have recourse through workers’ compensation and potentially third-party liability claims if equipment failure or negligence is determined to have contributed to the fatal event.