Ethan Wood Killed in OFallon Semi-Truck Accident

Truck Accident - May 4, 2026

Ethan Wood, 35, of Glen Carbon, Died in O’Fallon Pedestrian Accident With Semi-Truck on Interstate 64

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O’FALLON, ILLINOIS (May 4, 2026) – A 35-year-old pedestrian identified as Ethan Wood has tragically died in an O’Fallon semi-truck accident on Interstate 64.

St. Clair County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:15 a.m. on Friday. Ethan Wood was walking along the westbound lanes of traffic when he was struck by a semi-truck.

Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim. Sadly, Ethan Wood was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Police shut down multiple lanes of Interstate 64 as they continued their investigation.

Liability for O’Fallon Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck drivers are required to obtain a commercial license and are expected to operate their vehicles with the utmost care to avoid collisions. This necessitates that they maintain a safe speed at all times. According to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-601, “No vehicle may be driven upon any highway of this State at a speed which is greater than is reasonable and proper with regard to traffic conditions and the use of the highway, or endangers the safety of any person or property.” Truck drivers should take several other actions to avoid pedestrians.

  • Blind Spots: Truck drivers should check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns at an intersection.
  • Scanning: Truck drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for pedestrians and other potential hazards.
  • Horn: Truck drivers should use their horns when necessary to alert pedestrians of their presence.
  • Maintenance: Truck drivers should ensure that their vehicle is functional and safe to operate through periodic inspections and maintenance.

If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, this could serve as evidence of negligence. Even if a pedestrian is standing in the middle of the roadway, this does not relieve a driver of their duty of care to avoid collisions. Liability for a pedestrian accident could extend to several different parties. This includes the company responsible for employing the driver. Employers in Illinois can be vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their workers who were operating within the course and scope of their job duties.

Evidence Preservation After O’Fallon Semi-Truck Accidents

Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by semi-trucks and other larger vehicles. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “In 2023 there were 5,472 people killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks. This was an 8-percent decrease from 5,969 in 2022. Seventy percent of people killed in large-truck traffic crashes in 2023 were occupants of other vehicles.” It is important that evidence be properly preserved after any semi-truck accident.

  • Police Report: The police report created after the crash should be sought. This report represents an officer’s initial impressions of how a collision took place.
  • Photos: Lots of photographs of the accident site should be taken. Even a photograph can help reveal how a collision took place.
  • Surveillance: Any surveillance footage that may have captured the collision should be sought. Many roadways across Illinois are covered by cameras.
  • Event Data Recorder: The event data recorder of the truck driver involved should be reviewed. A truck’s event data recorder can help reveal how the truck was being operated in the lead-up to a crash.

Truck accidents are typically highly preventable. They tend to involve truck drivers that are traveling too fast for the prevailing conditions. One of the major issues is that truck drivers are often pushed to complete routes as quickly as possible. This can lead to them adopting unsafe driving habits. The family of any person who died in a semi-truck accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability and transparency through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating O’Fallon Semi-Truck Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ethan Wood. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should never have taken place. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. What was the speed of the truck prior to the crash? What is the safety record of the truck carrier?

Do you need more information about an O’Fallon semi-truck accident? Our team of accident investigators is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.