PEARL CITY, ILLINOIS — A fatal traffic accident on W. Loran Road in rural Stephenson County left one person dead and two others seriously injured early Monday morning, September 7, 2026, after a Ford sedan struck cattle in the roadway.

The crash happened near the intersection of W. Loran Road and S. Lott Road at approximately 2:21 a.m., according to the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office.

Pearl City IL Accident

Deputies were dispatched after an iPhone crash-detection alert was received.

When emergency crews arrived, they found a Ford sedan with extensive damage in a ditch along the north side of Loran Road. Approximately 15 cattle were also in the roadway.

Three men were inside the vehicle.

The occupants included a 22-year-old driver, a 25-year-old front-seat passenger and a 25-year-old rear-seat passenger.

All three sustained serious injuries.

The rear passenger was reportedly the only occupant conscious when the first deputy arrived.

One Person Dies After Stephenson County Crash

The front-seat passenger was transported by medical helicopter to an area hospital, while the rear passenger was taken by ambulance to Mercyhealth Hospital in Freeport.

The driver was also transported from the scene but died from his injuries while being taken to a medical facility.

Authorities had not released the identities of the three men in the latest available information.

Vehicle Struck Cattle on W. Loran Road

The preliminary investigation indicates that the Ford was traveling eastbound on Loran Road, east of Lott Road, when it struck multiple cattle standing in the roadway.

The impact caused the vehicle to leave the roadway before coming to rest in the ditch.

Two cattle died at the scene. Two additional animals sustained injuries serious enough that they had to be euthanized.

Investigators continue to examine the circumstances that led to the cattle being in the roadway and the sequence of events surrounding the crash.

Emergency Crews Respond

Multiple agencies assisted following the Pearl City-area accident, including the Pearl City Fire Department, Leamon’s Ambulance Service, Freeport Fire Department and the Stephenson County Coroner’s Office.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation.

Additional information, including the identities of those involved, may be released as the investigation progresses.

Pearl City IL Accident Details

Disclaimer

This article is based on information released concerning the September 7, 2026 crash on W. Loran Road in Stephenson County. The investigation remains ongoing, and details may change as authorities release additional information. The identities of the people involved and any further findings regarding the circumstances of the crash should be considered subject to official confirmation.