FAYETTE CO., Ill. - A 4-wheeler accident very early this morning claimed the life of a young man from Shobonier, and has seriously injured a young girl from Vandalia.
Illinois State Police in District 12 Effingham report that the crash occurred at 12:05 a.m. this morning, Saturday, June 16.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a yellow 2014 CanAm DS450 4-wheeler being operated by Billy Joe Tate, Jr., 23 of Shobonier, was traveling northeast on Fayette Co Rd. 1150 N at the intersection of Co. Rd. 1225 N. With Tate was a passenger, Mayce Sarchet, 19, of Vandalia.
ISP said the 4-wheeler left the roadway and overturned, pinning its driver and passenger to a tree.
Witnesses on scene pulled the 4-wheeler off of the victims. Tate was not breathing and was unresponsive. Witnesses called 911 and began CPR.
Tate was transported by ambulance to the Fayette County Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Sarchet was transported to Fayette County Hospital where she was airlifted to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.