On Saturday, July 28, 2018, at approximately 1:27 a.m., the Illinois State Police (ISP) responded to a traffic crash on IL 72 at Oak Court in Ogle County. ISP Troopers arrived and found Unit 1, a 2003 Dodge pickup, had been traveling eastbound on IL 72. Unit 2, a 2007 Jeep SUV, was traveling westbound on IL 72 at Oak Court. Unit 1 crossed the center line striking Unit 2 head on. Unit 1 driver, Randall L. Hilliard, male, age 50, from Byron, IL, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Unit 2 driver, Rick A. Sgro, male, age 51, from Oregon, IL, was transported to Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL, along with two other passengers, Allison R. Sgro, female, age 24, from Mount Morris, IL, and Abigail E. Sgro, female, age 20, from Mount Morris. A third passenger in Unit 2, Daniel W. Merritt, male, age 20, from Gering, NE, was transported to Mercyhealth Hospital in Rockford.
The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene, and the crash investigation is on-going.
ISP was assisted on the scene by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Ogle County Coroner’s Office, Byron Fire/EMS, Stillman Valley Fire/EMS, and Maggio’s Towing.