Former Tilton Police Chief Steven Cornett, 65, Killed in I-74 Construction Zone Crash in Champaign
Steven A. Cornett, 65, a former Tilton Police Chief, was killed Wednesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in an I-74 construction zone in Champaign. The investigation is ongoing.
A decorated officer and community leader dies in work zone tragedy
Steven A. Cornett, a 65-year-old former police chief from Tilton, was killed early Wednesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in an active construction zone on Interstate 74 in Champaign.
Cornett was working on the Interstate 57/74 interchange reconstruction project when a pickup truck pulling a trailer hit him at approximately 3:35 a.m. near milepost 179, close to the southbound exit to I-57.
Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer identified Cornett and confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:45 a.m. Preliminary findings showed Cornett died from blunt force injuries sustained after being struck by the vehicle. An autopsy has been scheduled.
A career in public service
Cornett was not just a construction worker. He spent 33 years in law enforcement with the Village of Tilton Police Department, joining the force in 1984 and rising through the ranks from Patrolman to Lieutenant, Captain, and ultimately Chief of Police.
He served as Tilton's police chief from 2010 to 2017 before retiring. After leaving law enforcement, he worked in construction.
The Tilton Police Department released a tribute on Facebook honoring his career.
"Chief Cornett devoted his life to protecting others and serving this community with pride, professionalism, and unwavering dedication," the department wrote. "His leadership, knowledge, and commitment to the Village of Tilton left a lasting impact on this department and community that will never be forgotten."
Captain Ryan Schull of the Tilton Police Department, who worked directly with Cornett early in his career, also shared a statement.
"Working directly with Chief Cornett at the start of my career, he left a tremendous impact on the way I police and serve the community today," Schull said. "His guidance, leadership, and dedication to this profession helped shape not only officers within this department, but the department itself. I am proud to call him a friend and mentor."
What happened on I-74
Illinois State Police responded to the crash scene shortly after 3:35 a.m. The collision shut down I-74 eastbound for several hours, with traffic diverted onto I-57 southbound.
State Police directed drivers on I-57 southbound to use Curtis Road to access Champaign. Travelers on I-57 northbound were told to use either Curtis Road or the Market Street exit. Motorists traveling from Mahomet to Champaign were advised to seek alternative routes and expect delays.
All lanes have since reopened, according to State Police.
IDOT urges work zone safety
The Illinois Department of Transportation released a statement on the crash. IDOT public information officer Paul Wappel said the department is working with Illinois State Police on the investigation.
"Today's tragedy is an unfortunate reminder of the dangers and risks of working and traveling through work zones," the statement read. "If you are driving anywhere in Illinois this construction season, you will be driving through work zones. Please, when you see orange, slow down, give the road your undivided attention and stay alert for workers and equipment. You could save a life."
The incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Champaign County Coroner's Office. No charges have been filed.
Cornett is survived by his family in Danville, Illinois. The Tilton Police Department said the community's thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those affected by the loss.