Gay Rolofson Killed in Decatur Car Accident

Personal Injury - January 10, 2026

Gay Rolofson, 72, Died in Decatur Car Accident With Pickup Truck Near Mound Avenue and Water Street

DECATUR, ILLINOIS (January 10, 2025) – A 72-year-old man identified as Gay Rolofson has tragically died in a Decatur car accident near the intersection of Mound Avenue and Water Street.

Macon County officials are saying that the accident took place around 11:18 AM on January 7. Gay Rolofson was in a Chevrolet Equinox and making a left turn on East Mound Avenue on a green arrow.

The driver of a Ford Ranger truck failed to slow down at the intersection and proceeded through a red light before colliding with his vehicle. Paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victim.

Sadly, Gay Rolofson was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the cause of the Decatur car accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Decatur Car Accidents

Every driver in Illinois has a legal obligation to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and comply with all vehicle codes. Pursuant to Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-306, the driver of any vehicle at a red light must stop at the intersection and only proceed after the light has turned green and it’s safe to do so. There are many factors that could contribute to a car accident.

• Speeding: Drivers are much more likely to run red lights if they are speeding.
• Distraction: A large portion of car accidents involve drivers that are distracted by their cell phones or other objects.
• Fatigue: Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

There is a presumption of negligence on the part of a driver that collides with another vehicle after going past a red light or stop sign without yielding. Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend beyond any driver deemed to be at fault. For example, pickup trucks and vans are routinely used for commercial purposes. If a vehicle is being used to further the interest of a business, that business owner could face some liability for any resulting injuries.

Steps to Take After Decatur Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the main causes of preventable injury and death in Illinois and the United States. According to the National Safety Council, “Between 1913 and 2023, motor-vehicle deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles decreased 95%, from 33 to 1.57, respectively. In 1913, only 1.3 million vehicles were registered, and 4,200 people died on the road. In 2023, 285 million vehicles were registered, and 44,762 people died on the road.” Determining who could be liable for an accident requires that evidence be carefully preserved.

• Medical Records: All of the medical records related to the crash should be collected. These can help reveal how an accident took place, even in the absence of eyewitnesses.
• Surveillance Footage: Any surveillance footage that may have captured the crash should be reviewed. Many intersections are covered by traffic cameras.
• Police Report: The police report created after any collision should be reviewed. These accident reports can be important tools and useful for a variety of different reasons. Though, it is possible that they contain errors.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any car accidents. Victims are routinely left with life-altering injuries that impair their ability to work or even live normal lives. Many families will have to contend with the sudden and tragic loss of a loved one. Victims of these collisions are protected by a number of laws. In particular, the family of any person who died due to the negligent actions of another driver may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Decatur Car Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gay Rolofson. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place.

Do you need more information about a Decatur car accident? Our team of accident investigators may be able to assist you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that drivers are held accountable for their wrongful actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into any particular incident, we are here to help you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.