Mount Vernon, IL (May 22, 2026) – A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a pickup truck on North Illinois Hwy 148 on Wednesday night, May 20. The crash occurred in the 8300 block of the highway in Jefferson County.
The pedestrian was identified as Johnathan M. Hatch, 40, of Mount Vernon. He was walking in the roadway at the time of the collision and was later pronounced dead. The driver of the Ford F-150 involved was a 27-year-old man from Murphysboro.
Jefferson County’s sheriff stated that Hatch was in the lane of traffic when he was struck, and no fault was assigned to the driver. Emergency units and a state police reconstruction team assisted at the scene. The wreck remains under investigation, and additional findings may be released as the process concludes.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Johnathan M. Hatch.
What Factors Are Examined When a Pedestrian Is Struck While Walking in a Travel Lane?
When a pedestrian is found walking in an active travel lane at night, several factors come into play during the review of what happened. Visibility is frequently a central concern, whether the pedestrian was wearing reflective clothing, whether the roadway was lit, and how much time a driver would have had to react. Road geometry also matters, including whether the stretch of highway had a shoulder, a sidewalk, or any other designated space for foot traffic.
In rural Illinois, many state highways lack pedestrian infrastructure entirely, which puts anyone on foot in a vulnerable position. Reconstruction specialists use physical evidence, vehicle data, and roadway measurements to piece together the sequence of events. These findings help establish the timeline and clarify what each party could reasonably have seen or done before contact occurred.
