Crash claims lives of two Atkinson men

According to a press release issued by the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department, on Sept. 26, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a single vehicle accident west of Spring Hill on Spring Hill Road. It was apparent that the vehicle was traveling westbound at a very high rate of speed in the foggy conditions and the driver failed to negotiate the curve west of Lyman Road.

The vehicle entered the north ditch where it slid uncontrollably before impacting a driveway embankment and then the vehicle became airborne. Once it landed, the vehicle proceeded to roll several times until it came to rest on its top. Next, the unit erupted into flames and continued to burn. Unfortunately, the two occupants were still in the vehicle and succumbed to the fire. The victims were identified as Karsten DeGrave and Wesley Stahl, both 20 and of Atkinson.

Whiteside County Coroner, Joe McDonald, was summoned to the scene and pronounced the occupants deceased. Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by Erie Fire/EMS, Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Bright’s Auto Body.

The investigation is on-going.

Funeral services were held for Stahl Sept. 30 in Geneseo and for DeGrave Oct. 1 in Geneseo.