A tragic plane crash in central Illinois claimed the lives of four Menomonie, Wisconsin residents on Saturday morning, April 19, 2025. The victims, two men and two women, were aboard a single-engine Cessna 180G aircraft that crashed near the community of Trilla, southeast of the Coles County Memorial Airport, around 10:15 a.m. local time.
Victims Identified
Illinois State Police identified the victims as:
- Ross R. Nelson, 46
- Raimi A. Rundle, 45
- Courtney L. Morrow, 36
- Michael H. Morrow, 48
All four were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Circumstances of the Crash
According to preliminary reports, the Cessna 180G was returning from Nashville when it struck power lines and crashed into a field and neighboring road on County Road 1400 North, near the border of Coles and Cumberland counties, approximately three miles south of Mattoon.
The impact caused the aircraft to burst into flames, leaving wreckage scattered across the road and adjacent field. Authorities closed the roadway for several hours as they conducted their investigation and cleared the site.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators began collecting evidence and data at the scene shortly after the incident. While the exact cause remains undetermined, initial assessments suggest the collision with power lines played a critical role in the accident.
Community Response
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his condolences, stating,
“Terrible news out of Coles County. My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today. Thank you to the first responders who rushed to the scene.”
The loss has deeply affected the Menomonie community, as friends and family mourn the sudden passing of four local residents.
Ongoing Updates
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The NTSB and FAA are expected to release further details as their inquiry progresses. The local road where the crash occurred has since been reopened, but the memory of the tragedy remains fresh for both the Illinois and Wisconsin communities impacted by this loss.
This article is based on official statements from Illinois State Police, the FAA, the NTSB, and local news reports.