Tragic Highway 159 Crash Claims Two Lives: Coroner Stephen P. Nonn Identifies Victims as Delores A. Long, 91, and Julie L. Schroeder, 63; Investigation Ongoing into Cause of Fatal Collision
Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified the two victims of a tragic vehicle crash that occurred on April 7, 2024, on Highway 159, south of Route 140, in Fort Russell Township, Illinois. The victims are Delores A. Long, 91, of St. Louis, Missouri, and Julie L. Schroeder, 63, of Bloomingdale, Illinois.
According to the coroner’s office, Long was operating a 2006 Nissan Sentra when it veered into the path of a 2019 Dodge Caravan, resulting in a head-on collision. The cause of Long’s vehicle veering into the opposite lane remains unknown.
Investigator Sakina Vernor of the Madison County Coroner’s Office determined that Long died at the scene at approximately 1:50 p.m. on April 7, 2024, due to head, neck, and chest injuries from blunt impact. Standard drug and alcohol testing is pending, and an official cause of death will be determined after its completion.
Long’s funeral service arrangements are currently being finalized. The coroner’s office extends its deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The second victim, Julie L. Schroeder, was a passenger in the 2019 Dodge Caravan and was seated in the left rear seat. She was transported to Alton Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room, where she was pronounced dead by the emergency department physician at approximately 2:20 p.m. on April 7, 2024.
Schroeder’s initial cause of death was determined to be head, chest, and abdominal injuries from blunt force trauma. Standard drug and alcohol testing is pending, and an official cause of death will be determined after its completion.
The funeral service arrangements for Schroeder are still being finalized. The coroner’s office extends its deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
The Madison County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit are conducting an ongoing investigation into the cause of the collision. The coroner’s office is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and will release further information as it becomes available.
The tragic incident has left two families grieving the loss of their loved ones. The coroner’s office and law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation are committed to providing support and answers to the families during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the Highway 159 crash has resulted in the tragic loss of two lives. The coroner’s office and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to determine the cause of the collision and provide closure to the families affected. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Delores A. Long and Julie L. Schroeder during this difficult time.
