The Illinois State Police has now identified the driver of a semi involved in a fatal semi/bicycle accident early Monday morning just east of St. Elmo. State Police reports identify the driver of the 2007 Volvo Truck Tractor with Semi-trailer as 31 year old Kevin A. Bagwill of Godfrey. According to State Police reports, Bagwill has been issued citations for Failure to Report Accident to Police and Leaving the Scene of an accident with injury or death. Bagwill is said to have been issued a notice to appear, so he would not currently be in custody. State Police say they were able to identify thru investigative efforts by ISP.
A 30 year old rural Altamont man was killed in a semi-bicycle accident on Monday morning about one mile east of St. Elmo. 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 operated by Bagwill 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.