THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE ARTICLE
ABOVE: General Picture from weekend flooding – Salt Fork River seen from the Homer Lake Road bridge.
After two days of searching, a 17-year-old boy from Rantoul was found dead in the water about one mile from where his vehicle left the roadway Saturday night, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office said.
County Coroner Laurie Brauer has identified the teen as Elias Smith. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 p.m. Monday. An autopsy has been scheduled and the incident remains under investigation.
The teenaged driver’s body was found at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday., according to the sheriff’s office.
“We extend our deep condolences to the family,” the sheriff’s office said. “We would like to also thank the multiple departments and resources that came together to assist the Sheriff’s Office in the search.”
