Four Dead in Small Plane Crash in Coles County, Illinois

TRILLA, Ill. — Four people were pronounced dead Saturday morning after their small plane crashed in Coles County. The Illinois State Police identified the victims as Ross R. Nelson, 46, Raimi A. Rundle, 45, Courtney L. Morrow, 36, and Michael H. Morrow, 48, all from Menomonie, Wisconsin.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. when a Cessna 180 single-engine plane went down on County Road 1400 North, about three miles south of Mattoon. Emergency responders arrived on the scene but were unable to revive anyone on board.

Authorities have not yet determined whether the plane was returning to Wisconsin or had departed from there earlier on Saturday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will handle the investigation into the crash.

Governor JB Pritzker expressed his condolences via social media, stating, “Terrible news out of Coles County. My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today.” He also thanked first responders for their prompt action at the crash site.

The investigation will seek to clarify the sequence of events leading up to the crash and determine the cause. According to reports, the plane struck power lines before descending into a field. The wreckage was officially removed from the area at approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, allowing for the road to reopen.

This crash marks one of several recent fatal aviation incidents in the U.S., with safety warnings being emphasized nationwide. Authorities are urging the public to remain clear of the area as investigations continue.