Teutopolis Native Dies in Metro East

A Teutopolis native died Monday in the Metro East area, and authorities are still finalizing the cause of death.

33-year-old Andrew Gobczynski, who was living in St. Louis, was driving on I-55 near Illinois Route 111 about 11:50am when his vehicle slowed and moved over to the right shoulder of the roadway, striking a cable barrier. The crash was witnessed by a passerby who stopped and rendered first aid.

Gobczynski was taken to Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City in full cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead in the emergncy room at 12:50pm.

Madison County Coroner Stephen Nonn said there was no obvious trauma observed that would have related to the accident. Findings from an autopsy conducted Tuesday morning were inconclusive pending additional lab and toxicology tests. Nonn said there were no signs at the scene that alcohol was involved.

At 6' 7", Gobczynski was a standout on the Wooden Shoes basketball team. While he was beset with injuries all of his sophomore season and a portion of his junior year, his senior season was quite memorable, as the Shoes went 33-2 on the season and took 2nd place in the state in their class.

Funeral arrangements for Gobczynski are located here.