Authorities are investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed two lives early Wednesday morning near Fisher, Illinois. According to the Illinois State Police, officers were dispatched around 6:19 a.m. to reports of a collision along U.S. Route 136 at County Road 50E, near the Champaign–McLean County line. Emergency responders arrived to find both vehicles heavily damaged, prompting a full closure of the roadway as crews worked to assist victims and secure the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as 32-year-old Joshua A. Cleveland of Champaign and 67-year-old Shirley C. Fenton of Weldon. Authorities confirmed that both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The tragic accident brought a swift response from multiple agencies, including local fire departments and medical personnel, who helped manage traffic and assist investigators during the morning commute.
Officials temporarily shut down a section of U.S. Route 136 between County Line Road (4200 East Road) and County Road 100E to allow crash reconstruction teams to gather evidence and clear debris. The roadway was reopened several hours later, but the investigation continued throughout the day. Autopsies for both Cleveland and Fenton are scheduled this week, which may help determine additional details about the incident.
At this stage, investigators have not released conclusions about what caused the two vehicles to collide. Authorities are examining several possible factors, including road conditions, weather, visibility, and any signs of mechanical failure. Witness interviews and nearby surveillance footage, if available, are also being reviewed to piece together the events leading up to the crash. Officials have urged anyone with information or dashcam footage from that area to contact the Illinois State Police to aid in the ongoing investigation.
The fatal crash has renewed local discussions about roadway safety along U.S. 136, which has seen multiple accidents in recent years. Law enforcement continues to emphasize the importance of cautious driving, particularly during early morning hours when lighting and visibility can pose challenges for motorists. Safety officials are encouraging drivers to remain alert, obey posted speed limits, and avoid distractions while traveling through rural intersections and highways.
Both Cleveland and Fenton were described as longtime residents of their respective communities, remembered fondly by friends and family. Their loss has deeply affected those in Champaign and Weldon, with local officials expressing condolences to the victims’ loved ones. The Illinois State Police and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office continue to collaborate on the investigation, pledging to release further updates as more information becomes available.