SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. — A heartbreaking crash on Interstate 55 claimed the lives of a Riverton woman and her young daughter early Tuesday morning, leaving a community in mourning. The deadly collision happened during the morning commute and shut down part of the interstate for several hours as authorities investigated the scene.
Illinois State Police said troopers were called to the crash around 6:40 a.m. at milepost 92 on southbound I-55, near the exit to U.S. Route 36. Preliminary information indicates a passenger vehicle traveling southbound struck the rear of a semitruck. The impact was severe, and both occupants of the passenger vehicle were pronounced dead as a result of the crash.
The Sangamon County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the victims died from blunt force injuries sustained in the collision. Coroner Jim Allmon initially withheld their names pending notification of family members. No other injuries were reported, and authorities have not released information about the driver of the semitruck.
The North Mac Community Unit School District later identified the victims in a statement as 8-year-old Kendyn Damm, a student at North Mac Intermediate School, and her mother, Jennifer Damm. A family member also confirmed their identities. News of their deaths sent shockwaves through the school district and surrounding communities.
In its statement, the school district remembered Kendyn as a joyful and well-loved student. “Kendyn will be remembered by the North Mac community as a very happy student with many friends,” the statement said. District officials also announced that school counselors would be available to support students and staff in the days ahead as they cope with the loss.
Following the crash, southbound lanes of Interstate 55 were closed for several hours while troopers worked to investigate and clear the scene. Traffic was diverted, causing delays throughout the morning. Illinois State Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and details such as weather conditions, speed, or contributing factors have not yet been released.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision. As the investigation moves forward, the Riverton and North Mac communities are left grieving the loss of a mother and daughter whose lives were cut short in a tragic accident.
