Semitrailer struck man near mile marker 14 outside O’Fallon
April 24, 2026 | Saint Clair, IL
A tragic incident unfolded on Interstate 64 in St. Clair County, where a 35-year-old pedestrian from Glen Carbon lost his life after being struck by a semitrailer truck.
Authorities confirmed the details of this fatal collision.
Ethan D. Wood, 35, died after being struck by a semitrailer truck in the westbound lanes of Interstate 64 near mile marker 14 outside O'Fallon in St. Clair County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Early Friday morning, Ethan D. Wood was walking along the westbound lanes of Interstate 64 near mile marker 14, close to O’Fallon. At approximately 6:30 a.m., he was hit by a semitrailer truck, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
- Victim Details: Ethan D. Wood, 35, of Glen Carbon
- Location: Interstate 64 westbound, mile marker 14, near O’Fallon, St. Clair County
- Date and Time: April 24, around 6:30 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Semitrailer truck and pedestrian
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene, and no other injuries reported
- Investigating Agency: Illinois State Police and St. Clair County Coroner's Office
The crash remains under active investigation, with limited additional details released at this time.
Why Do Pedestrian-Truck Accidents Occur?
Crashes involving large trucks and pedestrians highlight significant road safety concerns. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), pedestrian fatalities in truck-related incidents represent a notable portion of overall traffic deaths.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Total fatalities in large truck crashes (2023) |
4,354 |
IIHS |
Pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist deaths in truck crashes |
17% of the total |
IIHS |
Common contributing factors |
Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Factors such as driver fatigue, improper maneuvering, tire blowouts, and lane drifting often play a role in these complex accidents.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on incidents involving pedestrians and commercial vehicles.
“In cases such as this, tractor-trailer crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “A lawyer can advocate by hiring witnesses, conducting background checks, locating witnesses, and reviewing insurance coverage, while guiding families through the legal process.”
- Distracted or negligent driving frequently contributes to pedestrian strikes.
- Speeding and failure to yield exacerbate risks for those outside vehicles.
- Thorough investigations are essential to uncover all contributing elements.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Having rights protected is vital, and a wrongful death lawyer can stay updated on investigations to ensure legal interests are safeguarded.”
Families in similar situations may pursue wrongful death claims for damages, including loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
How Can Families Seek Justice After a Fatal Crash?
Pending the ongoing investigation, the family of Ethan D. Wood could be eligible for a wrongful death claim. Legal representation helps navigate insurance reviews, witness statements, and official findings to secure appropriate compensation.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).