Terry E. Felder, Mark D. McCoy Obituary, Death: Medical Examiner Identifies Two Killed in Separate I-57 Crashes Hours Apart

Terry E. Felder, Mark D. McCoy Obituary, Death – The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has released the identities of two individuals killed in separate crashes on Interstate 57 earlier this week. The accidents occurred just hours apart near 159th Street and involved multiple vehicles and injuries.

First Crash on Wednesday Evening

The initial crash took place on I-57 northbound around 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, south of 159th Street. According to Illinois State Police, the collision involved two vehicles and resulted in multiple injuries. Tragically, 18-year-old Terry E. Felder was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released information about Felder’s hometown.

State troopers, emergency responders, and investigators were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and clear the wreckage. The exact circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation.

Second Crash Early Thursday Morning

Just hours after the first incident, another crash occurred early Thursday on I-57 southbound near the same intersection at 159th Street. This collision involved three vehicles and also resulted in multiple injuries.

Mark D. McCoy, a 43-year-old resident of Matteson, was identified as the victim of the second crash. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

Illinois State Police continue to investigate both crashes to determine the causes and potential contributing factors. Authorities have not yet released information on whether weather conditions, driver error, or other circumstances played a role in either incident.

Investigators are urging anyone with information about the crashes to come forward. Witnesses who may have seen the collisions or have relevant dashcam footage are encouraged to contact the state police.

Impact on Traffic and Community Response

The back-to-back accidents led to significant traffic disruptions on I-57, as emergency responders worked to secure the scenes and clear debris. Commuters experienced delays, and traffic was diverted for several hours.

Local residents expressed concern about the frequency of serious accidents on this stretch of the interstate. “It’s tragic to hear about two fatal crashes happening so close to each other,” said one resident. “Drivers need to be extra cautious, and we hope authorities find ways to improve safety.”

Remembering the Victims

Friends and family members are mourning the loss of Terry E. Felder and Mark D. McCoy. Although details about Felder’s background remain limited, tributes have begun appearing on social media, with friends expressing shock and grief over his untimely death.

McCoy, a longtime resident of Matteson, was described by acquaintances as a caring and dependable individual. “Mark was always there for his friends and family,” said a close friend. “His loss is devastating to everyone who knew him.”

A Call for Road Safety

The tragic accidents underscore the ongoing need for heightened awareness and safety measures on major highways. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible driving, seatbelt use, and adherence to speed limits.

Community leaders and road safety advocates are also calling for a review of traffic patterns and infrastructure improvements near 159th Street to prevent future incidents.

Moving Forward

As the investigations proceed, authorities are committed to providing answers to the families of the victims and the broader community. Both crashes serve as somber reminders of the unpredictability and dangers of road travel.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Illinois State Police, and local officials extend their condolences to the families of Felder and McCoy. Further updates on the investigations are expected in the coming days.

In the meantime, community members are urged to drive cautiously, remain vigilant, and report any hazardous road conditions to the appropriate authorities. The tragic loss of two lives in such a short span has left a lasting impact on the local community.