State Police Locate Driver in Fatal Semi/Bicycle Crash Near St. Elmo

Illinois State Police have located the driver of a semi that struck a bicycle near St. Elmo Monday morning. The bicyclist, 30-year-old Jason Hearty of Altamont, was fatally injured in the incident.

State Police Lieutenant Cory Ristvedt said the driver was identified as 31-year-old Kevin A. Bagwill of Godfrey. Bagwill was located by State Police in the Metro East area around noon Monday. Police also identified the semi involved in the crash. 

State police crime scene investigators and a crash reconstruction officer have examined the semi for any evidence it might provide.

Ristvedt said the investigating officer cited Bagwill for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and failure to report an accident to police. Bagwill was issued a notice to appear in court on the charges, so is not in custody. A final decision on what charges Bagwill will face rests with Fayette County State's Attorney Josh Morrison.

Morrison by phone Tuesday said he is awaiting several reports, including the results of the autopsy conducted Tuesday and the crash report before deciding what charges could be filed.

Ristvedt said he was not at liberty to say whether Bagwill told authorities he knew he'd struck the bicycle.

Hearty was traveling westbound on Route 40 near St. Elmo when the crash occurred. Local residents say Hearty took that route on his bike on a regular basis to travel to work.