With broken hearts, the Ridgway, Illinois, community is mourning the tragic loss of Dawson Stacey, 18, who died following a serious traffic collision in White County on Wednesday afternoon, September 23, 2026.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:21 p.m. near the intersection of Illinois 141 and County Road 6.
According to the Illinois State Police, a westbound pickup truck crossed the center line for reasons that remain undetermined and collided with a semi-trailer carrying grain that was traveling in the eastbound lanes.
Dawson sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased by the White County Coroner’s Office.
The crash also resulted in a significant spill, requiring a prolonged closure of the roadway as investigators worked at the scene. The roadway eventually reopened at approximately 1 a.m. Thursday.
News of Dawson’s death has brought profound sadness to his family, friends, classmates, and loved ones. At just 18 years old, his life held many possibilities, making the sudden loss particularly heartbreaking for those who knew him.
Behind every traffic collision is a person with a life, relationships, dreams, and memories. Dawson Stacey will be remembered not simply for the circumstances of his passing, but for the moments he shared with those around him and the connections he made throughout his young life.
As loved ones grieve, they are left to navigate the pain of an unexpected loss while holding onto the memories of Dawson and the impact he had on their lives.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
