Rural Iuka Woman Dead Following Crash in Salem

A rural Iuka woman involved in a crash in Salem Wednesday morning later was pronounced dead at Salem Township Hospital. 

55-year-old Sherri Easley was eastbound on Main Street in Salem near Interstate 57 when she crossed into the westbound lane. The vehicles in the driving and passing lanes separated to allow space for Easley's car, but the vehicle ended up striking the rear tire on a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Michael Locker of Strasburg, knocking off a rear wheel. Easley's car then continued into the roadside ditch before coming to a stop.

Locker was not injured. The other westbound vehicle was not involved in the crash and did not stop.

Marion County Coroner Claude Howell says Easley had been ill and the crash is believed to be medically related. Toxicology tests were taken to try and help confirm the cause of death.