DECATUR, Ill. — A late-night crash at a busy Decatur intersection claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman and left another driver with life-threatening injuries, according to police and the Decatur Coroner’s Office. The collision happened just before 11:30 p.m. at East Mound Avenue and North Water Street, drawing a large emergency response and shutting down the roadway for several hours.
Authorities identified the victim as Gay Rolofson, 72, of Decatur. Rolofson was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. The intersection and surrounding roadway, including East Mound Avenue between Pershing Road and Ash Avenue, were closed as the Decatur Police Department’s Fatal Accident Investigation Team worked to examine evidence and allow crews to clear debris.
In a news release, Decatur police said the initial investigation showed that Rolofson was driving a white 2007 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle was traveling southbound on North Water Street and attempting to make a left-hand turn eastbound onto East Mound Avenue. Police said the Chevrolet had a green arrow signal, giving the driver the right of way to complete the turn.
At the same time, a silver 2002 Ford Ranger was traveling northbound on North Water Street. Investigators said the Ford entered the intersection against a red traffic light and collided with the Chevrolet Equinox in the intersection. The force of the impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and resulted in the fatal injuries to Rolofson.
The driver of the Ford Ranger, a 32-year-old Decatur man, was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. His current condition has not been released by authorities. Police said there were no additional passengers reported in either vehicle at the time of the crash.
Decatur police noted that there are no indications that alcohol or drugs were involved in the collision. The crash remains under active investigation as officers continue reviewing traffic signal data, vehicle damage, and witness statements. Officials are urging drivers to obey traffic signals and remain alert at intersections, especially during late-night hours, as the community mourns the loss of Gay Rolofson and awaits further updates in the ongoing investigation.
