Car Accident Joshua Chapman, Third Victim Identified in Deadly Jefferson County Crash

Collinsville, IL – A 37-year-old Collinsville man has been identified as the third victim in a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred in Jefferson County over the weekend.

On Monday, the names of the three killed in the deadly Saturday night crash at the intersection of N. Pulsar Ln. and E. Dubois Rd. near Waltonville were released by Jefferson County Coroner Roger Hayse. The accident claimed the lives of 20-year-old Bryce Middleton of DuBois and his passenger, 20-year-old Hayden Lence of Herrin. Joshua Chapman, 37, of Collinsville was the driver of the second vehicle involved and also perished.

Just before midnight on Saturday, Dec. 9th, the tragic crash occurred at the intersection in Scheller.

Details of the incident were fully described by Jefferson County Deputies. They report a 2017 Buick slammed into a 2023 Chevrolet after crossing over a divider.

With assistance from the Illinois State Police Reconstruction Unit, Litton Ambulance Service, the Waltonville, Woodlawn and Jefferson Fire Protection Districts, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office processed the crash site.

Monday evening was the expected time for autopsies of all three victims as the investigation continues.

As news of the devastating triple-fatality spread, friends and loved ones of the victims took to social media to express condolences. Many paid tribute to the lives cut short, emphasizing how the loss left holes that could never be filled.

“My sweet friend Hayden, my heart is in pieces,” wrote one friend. “Her smile lit up every room she walked into. Taken too soon.”

Another grieving community member posted, “Praying for the Middleton, Lence and Chapman families. May God envelope them in comfort and peace.”

The Jefferson County area, located in southern Illinois, is home to around 38,000 residents. Though a mostly rural region, many in the tightly-knit community expressed how this tragic crash hit close to home.

“Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight,” one user commented. “We never know when it’ll be the last.”

As the circumstances surrounding Saturday’s devastating collision continue to come to light, police urge anyone who may have witnessed the event or have additional information to reach out. Providing answers and accountability during this time of immense grief remains a top priority.

Far too often, lives in small towns across the country are upended by untimely deaths from motor vehicle crashes. Jefferson County and its residents now grapple with the fresh pain of losing three of its own. In the wake of unthinkable tragedy, the community mourns and bands together—though its heartbreak may never fully heal.