Dieterich Teenager Killed in Crash of Semi and Car Monday

A Dieterich teenager was fatally injured in the crash of a semi and automobile along Illinois 33 Monday afternoon.

Update: Funeral information for Thomas Overbeck is located here.

17-year-old Thomas J. Overbeck was killed when his car crossed the centerline and was struck by a semi. Effingham County Coroner Duane Guffey pronounced Overbeck dead at the scene at 4:05pm, about a half-hour after the crash occurred. 

An autopsy was conducted Tuesday morning to determine the caus of death. Preliminary results are that Overbeck died from injuries received in the crash. A final report will be issued once the investigation is concluded and the final autopsy results are available.

State police on scene said the semi driver, 48-year-old Jerry Cross of Willow Hill, took evasive action but couldn't avoid the collision. The car ended up in the ditch on the north side of the highway, while the semi ended up off the south side of the highway near the railroad tracks that run along Illinois 33 in that area. Cross received minor injuries, but declined treatment.

No citations were issued.

The crash occurred just east of Bishop Church Road. Illinois 33 was closed for almost 90 minutes.

An investigation into the crash continues by the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police, Effingham County Coroner's Office, and Illinois State Police Accident Reconstructionist. Assisting at the scene were the Dieterich Fire Department and Effingham City-County Ambulance Service.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Effingham.