A member of the Carl Sandburg College national qualifying women’s cross country team has been identified as the victim killed in a single-vehicle accident in Rock Island County on Christmas night.
According to Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson, Joan Jepngetich, 24, of Galesburg, was pronounced dead at the scene. A native of Kenya, Jepngetich was a sophomore transfer to Sandburg from Iowa Central. This past season, she was All-Arrowhead Conference, All-Region 4 and placed 64th at the NJCAA Division II Cross Country Championships.
Illinois State Police said the accident occurred at approximately 10:33 p.m. Wednesday on Interstate 80 eastbound near Rock River (milepost 4.8), Rock Island County.
A preliminary investigation indicates ISP Troop 2 responded to the location for the report of a single-vehicle fatal crash. Police say for an unknown reason, a Mercedes-Benz sedan drove off the roadway and struck a tree, causing the vehicle to catch on fire.
The driver and another passenger were transported to an area hospital with injuries.
ISP was unable to provide additional information.
Gustafson tells WGIL the accident remains an open and active investigation between the Rock Island County Coroner’s Office and the Illinois State Accident Reconstruction.
A statement from Sandburg College reads, “We’re heartbroken and share wishes of comfort, peace and healing to all of our Charger family, especially the families and friends of the students impacted by the accident. The college will continue to work with the students’ families to honor their wishes and will share more information as appropriate.”
The school said counseling services are available to Sandburg students and employees.
