Todd A. Graves, Steven H. Youngquist: Names of three victims in I-74 crash in Knox County released.
Todd A. Graves, Steven H. Youngquist – On January 30, a tragic two-vehicle collision on Interstate 74 near Gilson resulted in three fatalities, and the identities of the victims have been confirmed by the Knox County Coroner’s Office. The individuals who lost their lives were Todd A. Graves, 61, from Springfield, Ohio, Steven H. Youngquist, 70, from Galesburg, and Christine Youngquist, 72. According to a statement from Coroner Jacque Dare, Graves and Steven Youngquist were both pronounced dead at the scene, while Christine Youngquist succumbed to her injuries later in the day after being transported to a hospital.
The Illinois State Police reported that the accident occurred at approximately 3:08 a.m. when Graves, driving a gray 2012 Cadillac sedan, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-74. Graves collided head-on with the gray 2019 Toyota SUV driven by Steven Youngquist. The impact of the crash was severe, and both Graves and Steven Youngquist were found dead at the scene. Christine Youngquist, who was in the vehicle with her husband, suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a regional hospital for treatment. Despite efforts to save her, Christine Youngquist passed away at 4:55 p.m. on the same day.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood confirmed that autopsies were conducted on all three victims. The results showed that each of them died due to multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash. While the cause of the collision remains under investigation, toxicology reports are still pending, as required by state law, to determine if any factors such as alcohol or drugs contributed to the incident.
The Illinois State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, seeking to determine what led to Graves driving in the wrong direction on the highway. Authorities are working diligently to gather more information, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
