Lee County, IL (June 11, 2025) – A tragic crash in Lee County claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl and left another person critically injured after a pickup truck collided with a semi-truck Monday afternoon.

According to reports, Chasity Stavenhagen of Earlville was driving a blue Chevrolet pickup westbound on Chicago Road when, around June 9, she attempted to cross the intersection at U.S. Route 251 and was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Stavenhagen was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 20-year-old male passenger from West Brooklyn was initially transported to a local hospital and later airlifted to a facility in Rockford, where he remains in critical condition. The semi driver, a 62-year-old man from Sublette, was uninjured and released from the scene.

Responders shut down the area for several hours for cleanup and investigation. The sheriff’s office utilized a drone and reconstruction team to aid in their investigation, with assistance from Illinois State Police, local EMS units, and the Lee County Coroner’s Office.

Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today

Losing a loved one, especially someone so young, in a traffic crash is devastating. In such times, families may be left with grief, confusion, and a growing list of expenses. Seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights and options. A wrongful death attorney can investigate the collision, determine liability, and pursue financial compensation for funeral costs, medical bills, and emotional suffering. Timely legal action ensures evidence is preserved and your family’s interests are protected. Speak with an experienced legal professional today to help navigate the road ahead with care and clarity.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.

• The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
• Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
• Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.

The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.