COLUMBIA, Il. – A somber evening in Columbia, Illinois, as people gathered at Christ Community Lutheran Church for a prayer vigil to support one another following a tragic accident over the weekend.
The crash happened around 3 p.m. Sunday when a Waterloo police officer observed a vehicle speeding on Illinois Route 3. Moments later, that vehicle was discovered to have crashed on Hanover Road, just a quarter mile from the highway. The Monroe County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death of one of the occupants, while another was airlifted to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. Two juveniles were also hurt, though their injuries were not life-threatening.
“To create a space where people can gather or do that together. Or just kind of a quiet and safe space. That’s all we’re doing. Anyone is welcome, of course,” Pastor Jared Parker, Christ Community Lutheran Church, said. “Just want to open it to our church and beyond into the community. Anyone that wanted to come, we will have quiet music playing, a space to be, pray and light a candle. Whatever folks want to do. They can come and go as they want.”
On Monday, hundreds gathered held a candlelight vigil at the Columbia Bath & Tennis Club. Residents shared heartfelt remarks before walking together to the home of the deceased, offering comfort and support to the grieving family. Illinois State Police, along with the Monroe County Sheriff’s office, are still looking into the crash. Authorities say there are no further details are available at this time.
Those attending say the community is leaning on each other, finding strength in their faith as they navigate this tragic loss.
