Feb 16 – Dwight Police

The Dwight Police Department responded to Love’s Travel Center on February 15t at approximately 3:00 am., regarding a vehicle fire. Dwight Fire Department and Dwight EMS responded to the scene as well.

Upon extinguishing the blaze, it was learned a single occupant was in the heavily damaged vehicle. The vehicle was registered to a transport company out of Tennessee. The Grundy County Coroner’s Office, Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Dwight Police Department all assisted in the investigation into this incident.

The occupant has been identified as Percy Eichelberger, 71 years of age, and a resident of Starkville, Mississippi. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that Mr. Eichelberger died from his injuries sustained in the fire. The origin and cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The death remains under investigation by the Grundy County Coroner’s Office. Dwight Police are assisting both agencies with local leads.

Feb 16 – Grundy County Coroner

Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is releasing the identity of the male, who died as a result of a vehicle fire at the Love’s Travel Center in Dwight, on Thursday morning, 02/15/2024.

The victim has been identified as Percy L. Eichelberger, 71, of Starkville, MS. An Autopsy was completed, and preliminary findings indicate that Mr. Eichelberger died from injuries sustained in the fire.

The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office. The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Feb 15 – Grundy County Coroner

Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office, along with the Office of the State Fire Marshal are investigating a fatal vehicle fire, which claimed the life of an unidentified male. The fire occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m., Thursday, 02/15/2024 in the parking lot of Love’s Travel Center, located at 12 W. Northbrook Drive, Dwight, IL.

Upon arrival, Dwight Fire Protection District Firefighters discovered a fully engulfed cargo van. After extinguishing the fire, Firefighters discovered the remains of the unidentified male.

Callahan pronounced the victim deceased on scene at 3:55 a.m.

An autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon.

The fire remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  Dwight Police Department, Dwight Fire Protection District and Dwight EMS assisted at the scene.