Editor’s note: The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Alexandria N. Cannavo, of Tampico, IL. She was a Senior at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico High School.
On January 18, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Rock Falls Fire Department, Sterling Fire Department, and CGH EMS responded to a two-vehicle crash, on Prophet Road just west of Luther Road. Upon arrival, Deputies discovered the vehicles were fully engulfed in flames and involved a semi-tractor trailer versus car. Further investigation revealed the following: Ricky J. Chapman, age 61 of Fenton, IL, was driving the semi essentially westbound on Prophet Road, when a female driving the car traveling the opposite direction on Prophet Road lost control, going around the curve, and slid into the path of the semi. Ricky had no time to take evasive action before the crash. The Whiteside County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene and pronounced the female deceased. Positive identification of the female driver is still pending, in cooperation with many agencies working collectively. Deputies were assisted by the above agencies on the scene including Johnson’s Towing. No Citations or charges are pending.