On Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at about 1:53 p.m., Whiteside County Sheriff Deputies responded to a three-vehicle crash on IL Route 78 and Mohawk Road, Lyndon, IL.
Investigation revealed a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Johnathan R. Buell, 38, of Prophetstown, IL, was traveling southbound on Route 78 and crossed the center line into the northbound lane. His vehicle sideswiped a northbound 2014 Ford Fusion driven by Diane L. Dornbush, 46, of Albany, IL.
The Pontiac Grand Am continued southbound in the northbound lane and struck a northbound 1992 Ford F-150, driven by Harold W. Cook 77, of Prophetstown.
Cook was pronounced dead on scene by the Whiteside County Coroner, Joe McDonald.
Cook’s passenger, Wendell J. Cook, 80, of Prophetstown was transported to Morrison Community Hospital for injuries.
Buell was airlifted from the scene by Medforce and flown to St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford, IL, for injuries.
Buell’s passengers, Sierra C. Burress, 19, and Brett R. L. Frain, 20, both of Prophetstown, were both transported to CGH Medical Center for injuries.
Dornbush was not injured.
Deputies were assisted by Lyndon and Prophetstown Police, Fire, and Ambulance, and the Illinois State Police.
The crash remains under investigation by the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.