In a terrible turn of events, three teenage boys have lost their lives in a car crash that occurred in the rural outskirts of Benton, Illinois. As confirmed by Marty Leffler, the Coroner of Franklin County, the deceased are identified as Bradley Williams (17), Joecy Padavic (15), and Landen Agnostic (16). Funeral preparations for all three are underway, with arrangements for Williams and Padavic being handled by the Leffler Funeral Home, and Agnitsch’s services to be carried out by Union Funeral Home.
The fatal incident occurred around 4:55 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, and was responded to by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Kyle Bacon confirms three fatalities due to the accident, with two more teenagers from West Frankfort sustaining injuries. The sheriff’s office, along with the Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, is currently investigating the crash.
Grief Envelops the Community
Benton Consolidated High School, where the three deceased were students, is in mourning. In a statement released on Monday, Superintendent Benjamin Johnson expressed profound sorrow for the tragic loss and extended sympathies to the families and friends of these students. He also emphasized the school’s commitment to assist with the healing process amidst this heartbreaking situation.
Benton’s Mayor Lee Messersmith also expressed his condolences via a Facebook post and urged the residents to keep the affected families in their thoughts, prayers, and actions. The Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton, acknowledging the grief-stricken community, opened its doors for collective prayer. A candlelight vigil was also held on Sunday night, September 17, at Tabor Field.
As a safety measure for families and friends visiting the crash site, Benton Field Road has been temporarily closed to non-resident traffic by Franklin County Emergency Management Agency. This decision aims to ensure the safety of pedestrians congregating in the area.
Tragic Car Accident Claims Lives of Three High School Students in Benton, IL
A terrible pall has descended over Franklin County, as they grapple with the loss of three high school students who tragically perished in a car accident on Saturday, September 16. Two additional students, who sustained injuries in the accident, were promptly transported from the scene for immediate medical attention, as reported by Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and Franklin County Sheriff, Kyle Bacon.
The three departed students were part of the student body at Benton Consolidated High School (BCHS), located in Benton, Illinois. Responding to the heartbreaking incident, the school issued an empathetic statement directed towards the grieving families and the shell-shocked community. BCHS Superintendent, Benjamin Johnson, articulated the school’s resolve to unite during this difficult period and extend the necessary support to the bereaved families and the student body.
Starting Monday, the school is arranging counseling sessions with social workers for the affected students and is also planning an early dismissal as specified in their media release. In the wake of the terrible incident, the school has decided to cancel the sophomore football and boys’ golf games slated for Monday.
The school’s football team, the Benton Rangers, conveyed their sentiment via a Facebook post on the day of the accident, expressing that although words fall short in providing solace, they stand ready to provide emotional support and prayers for those affected. Their Facebook page also highlighted a post from a local house of worship, the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.
Services Planned for Three Teenagers from Benton Who Perished in a Car Accident
The three teenagers who tragically lost their lives in a fatal car crash in Franklin County on Saturday have been identified as students from Benton High School. The victims are Joecy Padavic, aged 15, Landen Agnitsch, aged 16, and 17-year-old Bradley Williams. The accident took place on Benton Field Road, south of Benton, just before 5pm, involving only one vehicle. Two other passengers in the car are currently hospitalized.
Padavic’s funeral will be held at the Benton Civic Center at 2 p.m. on Thursday; with visitation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Agnitsch’s funeral ceremony is set for Friday at 11 a.m. at the Whittington Church in Whittington, with visitation on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.
Williams’ funeral will take place at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton at 11 a.m. on Saturday, with visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and since 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mayor Lee Messersmith of Benton has created a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral costs.
Car Crash in Franklin County Claims Lives of Three High School Students, Two Others Injured.
In Franklin County, Illinois, a fatal car crash on Saturday afternoon resulted in three deaths and left two others injured. The deceased have been identified as Landon Agnitsch, Joecy Padavic, and Bradley Williams. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatalities but has not released the identities of the injured parties.
Benton Consolidated High School, where the deceased students attended, released a statement expressing their focus on supporting the community and assisting the affected families and students.
The accident, a single-vehicle crash, occurred in the rural area of Franklin County on Benton Field Road and St. Joseph Road near Benton in the late afternoon hours on Saturday. The incident initially resulted in two confirmed fatalities and three substantial injuries, but one of the injured victims succumbed to their injuries later.
Sheriff Kyle Bacon stated that the injured parties were airlifted for treatment. As of 8 p.m. on Saturday evening, the accident scene was still under investigation, including assistance from the Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit.
The Benton Fire Department, Benton Police Department, Illinois State Police, Franklin County Coroner’s Office, and Abbott EMS were among the agencies that responded to the scene. Sheriff Bacon asked the community to maintain their prayers for those affected by this tragedy.
Benton Consolidated High School announced that they would have counselors and trained staff available on Monday to assist students dealing with the tragedy. They also mentioned an early dismissal schedule change. Similarly, Frankfort CUSD mentioned that they would have counselors available for anyone needing assistance, expressing their thoughts and prayers for the victims and the injured.
