CHICAGO – A man is dead after allegedly attempted to pass a tractor in his vehicle on Route 45 downstate.
According to the Coles County Sheriff’s office, it happened after 81-year-old Gary Phillips of Atwood attempted to try and pass a John Deere tractor pulling grain on northbound Route 45. Atwood reportedly tried to get back in his lane after the tractor began to pull into his. In the process, Phillips’ vehicle hit the back tire of the tractor, which caused his car to overturn and be hit by another vehicle heading southbound on the road.
Phillips was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing with Sheriff’s police.