Driver Arrested After Fatal Crash at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon
MATTOON, IL — Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday morning when a car collided with the north wall of Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home, a well-known nursing facility in Mattoon. The crash, which took place at approximately 11:28 a.m., resulted in the death of one resident and critically injured another. The driver of the vehicle involved, Curtis Meadows, 54, has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated DUI, according to the Mattoon Police Department.
Details of the Incident
At the time of the crash, a Nissan Pathfinder, driven by Curtis Meadows, veered off the road and struck the north wall of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home. The impact caused immediate damage to the structure and left two elderly women, both residents of the facility, injured.
Mattoon Police responded to the scene swiftly, and emergency medical teams worked to assist the victims. Tragically, the Coles County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that 82-year-old Sharon Harpster, one of the women involved, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, 86-year-old, was airlifted to Carle Hospital in Urbana, where she remains in critical condition.
Arrest of Curtis Meadows
Authorities quickly took action, arresting the driver, Curtis Meadows, at approximately 12:05 p.m. on suspicion of aggravated driving under the influence (DUI). The arrest followed a thorough investigation by the Mattoon Police Department, and Meadows was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
The severity of the crash and the tragic loss of life has prompted local authorities to further investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident, with DUI being a significant factor in the ongoing inquiry.
Victims Identified
The Coles County Coroner’s Office has released the name of the deceased woman as 82-year-old Sharon Harpster. Harpster was a resident of the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home, and her death has deeply affected the staff and other residents.
The second victim, who remains in critical condition, has been identified as an 86-year-old woman. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was airlifted to Carle Hospital in Urbana, where she continues to receive medical care.
Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home Statement
The Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home, a facility that provides care for senior citizens, issued a statement on Facebook expressing their sorrow over the tragic event. The statement acknowledged that both women were residents at the home and extended condolences to their families. The facility also thanked emergency responders and the police for their quick and efficient response to the situation.
In their statement, the nursing home said, “We are deeply saddened by the events that took place today and our hearts go out to the families of both individuals. Our thoughts are also with all the residents and staff members who were affected by this tragedy.”
Community Response
As news of the crash spread through the community, many expressed their shock and sympathy for the families of the victims and the staff at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home. The nursing facility has long been a trusted care provider in the area, and its residents and staff have been left shaken by the loss.
The Mattoon community has rallied around the affected families, and local organizations have expressed their support. Additionally, local authorities are working to ensure that all parties involved receive the proper attention and care in the aftermath of the crash.
Legal and Law Enforcement Actions
Curtis Meadows remains under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation into the incident continues. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the seriousness of the situation, especially given the allegations of impaired driving. The Mattoon Police Department has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to uncover all the facts surrounding the incident.
The Coles County State’s Attorney’s office will review the evidence once the investigation is completed, and further legal proceedings will follow. The community awaits more information as authorities work to bring clarity to the tragic events.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Mattoon Police continue to gather evidence, including any potential video footage and witness statements, to fully understand the sequence of events leading up to the collision. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
In light of the severity of the crash and the significant impact on the residents of Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home, the local police department has called for public support in preventing similar accidents in the future. They have reminded the public of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have, particularly in areas populated by vulnerable individuals, such as nursing homes.
Final Thoughts
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable and often devastating nature of impaired driving. The community of Mattoon has been rocked by this tragedy, and the loss of Sharon Harpster will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on those who knew her, as well as on the dedicated staff at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home.
As the investigation into Curtis Meadows’ actions continues, the families of the victims remain in the thoughts of many, with hopes for a swift recovery for the woman still fighting for her life. The incident serves as a painful reminder that driving under the influence can have irreversible consequences, not just for the driver, but for the innocent lives affected by their actions.
If you have any additional information or need clarification about this incident, the Mattoon Police Department has encouraged the public to stay informed through their official social media channels and other public updates.