A tragic crash on U.S. 6 near County Road 19 in DeKalb County has claimed the life of a 28-year-old Waterloo man, leaving family and friends heartbroken. The devastating head-on collision turned into a fiery scene, drawing a large emergency response and shutting down part of the highway as crews worked to control the aftermath.
Authorities say Tristen Till was driving westbound on U.S. 6 when his vehicle suddenly crossed the centerline and entered the eastbound lane. His car then collided head-on with a truck driven by Thomas Stahl, 61, of Corunna. The impact of the crash was severe, causing heavy damage to both vehicles and sending debris across the roadway.
Moments after the collision, Till’s car caught fire. Thick smoke and flames quickly surrounded the wreckage. Deputies from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, along with a Waterloo marshal deputy and firefighters from the Corunna Fire Department, rushed to the scene. First responders worked urgently to put out the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and pull Till from the burned vehicle. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden loss has deeply shaken the Waterloo community, where loved ones are now mourning a young life taken far too soon. Many are struggling to understand how a normal drive turned into such a heartbreaking tragedy.
Meanwhile, Stahl’s truck rolled over during the violent collision and came to rest in a ditch on the north side of the road. Authorities said the 61-year-old driver complained of body soreness but refused medical treatment at the scene. Officials confirmed that both vehicles were totaled due to the impact and fire damage.
Investigators say the crash remains under investigation as they work to determine why the vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. U.S. 6 was temporarily affected while emergency crews cleared debris and completed their work. As the investigation continues, the DeKalb County community is left grieving, remembering Till, and hoping for answers in the wake of the devastating crash.
