ILLINOIS — A 16-year-old driver died Monday after his vehicle crashed into a river in Effingham County, authorities said.
Emergency crews responded to the crash around 4:29 p.m. on 875th Street, about one mile east of U.S. Route 45. According to the Effingham County Coroner, first responders found a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am overturned in the water.
The Effingham County Dive Team removed the driver from the vehicle. He was taken to HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham, where he was pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m.
Officials identified the victim as John Breer, 16, of Effingham.
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling eastbound when it left the roadway for unknown reasons, crossed into the opposite lane, struck a bridge railing and overturned into the river.
An autopsy is scheduled in Bloomington to determine the official cause of death. Authorities continue to investigate the crash.
