A crash near Kankakee early Easter Sunday left three people dead after their SUV swerved off the road and struck a tree, according to local officials.
According to the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, the crash occurred around 1:16 a.m. on the 900 block of South Cobb Boulevard. A black 2008 GMC Yukon fled the road and slammed into a tree before bursting into flames. The intensity of the fire prevented first responders from the Kankakee Police and Fire Departments from reaching the vehicle’s occupants.
The fatalities were named as Kiyantis Riley, 45; Philip Birdsong, 48; and Jeffrey Clark II, 41, all Kankakee residents. Officials confirmed that each individual was pronounced deceased at the scene, and next-of-kin were notified prior to the public dissemination of the information.
The Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, Kankakee City Police Department, and Illinois State Police Troop 5 are still investigating the cause of the incident. Authorities have not said whether drink, speed, or any other factors contributed to the event.
