A 30 year old rural Altamont man was killed in a semi-bicycle accident on Monday morning about one mile east of St. Elmo. And, the driver is believed to be in custody. Fayette County Coroner Bruce Bowen says in his report on the incident that 30 year old Jason Hearty left his home at 5 am Monday riding his bicycle, traveling to his work place in St. Elmo. Illinois State Police says both Hearty on his bicycle and the semi were traveling westbound on U.S. Route 40, about one mile east of St. Elmo. State Police say that Hearty’s bicycle was struck from behind by the semi in the westbound lane. And, that the vehicle then left the scene of the accident. Hearty was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Bruce Bowen. ISP Crash Reconstruction Officers and ISP Crime Scene Investigators are continuing to investigate the crash. Bowen also says there will be an autopsy conducted today in Effingham.
Meanwhile, the driver of the semi was believed to be in custody yesterday afternoon. Fayette County Sheriff Chris Smith saide yesterday afternoon that State Police District 11 in Collinsville were believed to have the alleged driver in custody. No further information has been released as of this time, nor has the identity of the driver.