CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, St. Clair County, Ill., Sept. 21, 2026 — A 64-year-old man died Saturday night, September 19, after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash in Cahokia Heights, authorities said. The driver did not stay at the scene, according to police.
The crash happened in the 2600 block of Camp Jackson Road, according to Illinois State Police. Local police asked a State Police traffic crash reconstruction unit to respond and assist with the investigation.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:52 p.m., the St. Clair County coroner's office said. The St. Clair County coroner identified him as Varnell Burch, 64, of East St. Louis.
State Police said Cahokia Heights Police are handling further details of the case. No description of the vehicle or driver had been released as of Sunday, and the case remains under investigation.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Why Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes Turn Deadly So Often
A driver who flees the scene removes any chance of quick first aid, and that delay can be the difference between life and death for someone hit by a vehicle. Unlike a crash between two cars, there is often no other adult present who saw exactly what happened or who can flag down help right away.
Speed and vehicle size matter too. A pedestrian has no frame, airbag, or seatbelt protecting them, so even a vehicle moving at a moderate speed can cause injuries that a similar impact between two cars would not. The bumper height and front-end shape of the striking vehicle also affects where the impact lands and how far a person is thrown.
Impairment raises the odds that a crash like this turns fatal and that a driver flees. A driver who has been drinking or using drugs is slower to react, misjudges distance and speed, and is more likely to panic and leave rather than stop and call for help. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 70 percent of people killed in hit-and-run crashes were pedestrians and bicyclists in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are fatal pedestrian crashes investigated?
Police typically call in a crash reconstruction team to measure the scene, review any video or witness accounts, and examine vehicle debris. In hit-and-run cases, investigators also work to identify the vehicle from paint transfer, parts left behind, or surveillance footage.
How long does an investigation like this usually take?
Timelines vary widely. Some hit-and-run cases are resolved within days if a vehicle is identified quickly; others remain open for weeks or longer while investigators gather evidence or wait on lab results.
How often does impairment factor into fatal crashes?
Impaired driving is a factor in a significant share of fatal crashes nationally, and it is one of the first things investigators check for in any death involving a vehicle, whether the driver stayed at the scene or not.
Where do fatal pedestrian crashes most often happen?
They cluster on roads with higher speeds and limited crosswalks or lighting, and more often at night, when drivers have less time to see and react to someone on foot or in the roadway.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Cahokia Heights, IL
If you witness a hit-and-run, call 911 immediately and try to note details about the vehicle, such as color, type, and any part of the plate you can see, without putting yourself at risk. Stay with the injured person if it's safe to do so until help arrives.
Anyone with information about this crash is encouraged to contact Cahokia Heights Police. Even small details, like a partial description of the vehicle or its direction of travel, can help investigators.
If you or a family member has been involved in a pedestrian crash, seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first, since some injuries take time to appear. Keep any paperwork from police and medical providers in case it's needed later.
