A State Trooper from Central Illinois has died from injuries received in a crash along Interstate 74 near Farmer City Wednesday.
Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup says 37-year-old Trooper Ryan Albin died at Carle Hospital in Urbana at 8:27 p.m. He had been involved in a crash shortly after 3:00 p.m. along Interstate 74 when his squad car was struck by a commercial motor vehicle, according to preliminary information released by State Police. The preliminary information says both units were in an area where slowed or stopped traffic was approaching an area where traffic was merging for a construction zone ahead.
Albin was a K-9 Officer and his dog ‘Biko’ was injured and taken to the University of Illinois for treatment. His injuries were not believed to be serious. The driver of the commercial vehicle involved, and a passenger in that vehicle, refused treatment, according to State Police.
‘’Our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn the loss of Trooper Albin,’’ said Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz. The Director extended his ‘’deepest sympathy to Trooper Albin’s family, friends, and co-workers. I pray that those who cared for and loved him find the strength they need during this most difficult time. No further words can express the pain and loss we are all feeling,’’ added Director Schmitz.
Trooper Albin joined the Illinois State Police in January of 2006 and was assigned to District 6 in Pontiac as a canine officer. The crash closed the westbound lanes of Interstate 74 near Farmer City for several hours, but the highway is now open again.
