Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Accident on Great River Bridge in Henderson County, Illinois
A young woman from Gladstone, Illinois, Emily R. Johnson, was convicted on Friday for the tragic incident that took the lives of two construction workers on the Great River Bridge in October 2022. The judge found her guilty of two counts of reckless homicide and two counts of aggravated use of a communication device. Johnson, 23, now faces the possibility of spending several years in prison when she is sentenced on May 9.
Details of the Incident
The Illinois State Police received a distressing call around 8 a.m. on October 18, 2022, regarding a devastating crash that occurred on the Great River Bridge. The accident involved two construction workers, Pearson J. Franklin, aged 20, and Andrew Whitcomb, aged 35, who were employees of a Burlington, Iowa company.
The workers were setting up construction barrels for a work zone on the Great River Bridge of U.S Route 34 westbound. They were walking behind their stationary pickup truck and trailer, with the yellow construction lights activated when tragedy struck. A 2016 Mazda CX5, driven by Johnson, hit a barrel before colliding with the two workers.
Tragic Outcome
The impact of the collision was severe, and all three individuals involved were rushed to the hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, both Pearson J. Franklin and Andrew Whitcomb succumbed to their injuries, leaving their families and colleagues in mourning.
Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, a stipulated bench trial commenced on January 16 and concluded on Friday with the judge’s verdict. The community now awaits Johnson’s sentencing, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for her actions that led to the loss of two valuable lives on the Great River Bridge.
The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for all drivers to exercise caution, especially when navigating construction zones. The families of the victims are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of a momentary lapse in judgement that resulted in irreparable loss.
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