Coroner's Office Releases Information on Two Recent Deaths

The Effingham County Coroner's Office has investigated two deaths this week.

One case involved the death of 29-year-old Jessica James of Effingham.  Acquaintances found James unresponsive in her residence about 4:15pm Tuesday.  She was taken to St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham.  James died at the hospital at 10:20am Wednesday.  An investigation into the circumstances of James' death was initiated by the Effingham Police Department and Effingham County Coroner Duane Guffey.

An autopsy was conducted Thursday.  Final autopsy results and toxicology test results are pending. No foul play is suspected.

The other death occurred on Thursday.

Witnesses observed a vehicle leave the roadway for no apparent reason at 4:19pm near Illinois Route 128 and US Route 40.  The vehicle sustained no damage.  911 was called; EMS and police responded and found the driver, 63-year-old John Calhoun of St. Elmo unresponsive.  Calhoun was taken by ambulance to St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital's Emergency Department.  Calhoun was pronounced dead at 5:55pm and Guffey responded to the hospital.  An autopsy was conducted today.  The preliminary report indicated Calhoun died due to natural causes.  Final reports and toxicology tests are pending.