Jody M. Rinderer, Victoria L. Goss Obituary, Death; Two dead in Pontoon Beach crash.
Jody M. Rinderer, Victoria L. Goss Obituary, Death – Authorities have released further details regarding a deadly accident in Pontoon Beach that claimed the lives of two people earlier this month. The fatal crash occurred on the evening of September 19 along the 5000 block of Illinois State Route 162, drawing a significant emergency response.
According to the Madison County Coroner’s Office, the victims were identified as 47-year-old Jody M. Rinderer and 32-year-old Victoria L. Goss. Both were pronounced dead as a result of injuries sustained in the violent collision.
Investigators reported that Rinderer had been behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when the crash occurred. The collision was so severe that the Silverado burst into flames shortly after impact. Emergency crews arriving at the scene attempted to extinguish the fire, but Rinderer could not be saved and was declared deceased at the site of the wreck.
Goss was driving a Buick Enclave at the time of the crash. She was pulled from her vehicle alive and rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Despite efforts by medical teams, she later succumbed to her injuries.
A passenger who had been traveling in Goss’s Buick was also injured in the accident and was transported to the hospital. Officials have not disclosed the passenger’s identity or provided updates on the extent of their injuries, though they confirmed that the individual survived.
The Illinois State Police (ISP) responded to the crash along with local law enforcement and fire officials. Because of the circumstances and severity of the collision, ISP’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit has taken part in the investigation. This specialized unit is tasked with piecing together the sequence of events that led to the head-on impact, using physical evidence, vehicle data, and witness statements.
So far, investigators have not released conclusions about what may have caused the vehicles to collide. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that they will continue to analyze all available evidence before determining potential contributing factors, such as speed, driver behavior, or roadway conditions.
The deadly wreck caused a significant disruption in the area. Route 162 was closed for several hours as law enforcement officers conducted their investigation and crews worked to clear the scene. Drivers were diverted to alternate routes while responders addressed the aftermath of the crash.
The community has been shaken by the tragedy. Both Rinderer and Goss leave behind family and friends who are now mourning their sudden loss. Local officials extended condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the devastating impact of fatal crashes on the region.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety in Madison County and across Illinois. Authorities often remind motorists to remain attentive and cautious, particularly on two-lane highways like Route 162, where head-on collisions can have catastrophic consequences.
While the official investigation continues, the accident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed or lost on the road. Law enforcement is expected to release further details as more information becomes available, including updates on the surviving passenger and findings from the crash reconstruction analysis.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the families of Rinderer and Goss, as well as determining what led to the collision that claimed two lives and left another person hospitalized.
