Rockford: 22-Year-Old Drevin Tavernie Dies in High-Speed Crash on Harrison Avenue. Family Launches GoFundMe for Funeral Costs.

A young Rockford man dies after his car crashes into a building in the early morning hours

Drevin Tavernie, 22, of Rockford, died after losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a building on Harrison Avenue early Wednesday morning. The Winnebago County Coroner's Office confirmed he died from blunt trauma to the head sustained in the crash.

The crash happened around 1:15 a.m. on June 17 in the 600 block of Harrison Avenue near Seminary Street on Rockford's south side. Tavernie was driving westbound when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a building, according to investigators.

"Drevin was in a tragic and unexpected accident Wednesday June 17th, leaving Rhonda and Richie moving through a traumatic loss that no parent should have to endure," his family wrote on a GoFundMe page. "Drevin touched the hearts of all he met through his wit and humor. A strong, independent soul who we hope is at peace and can rest easy now."

Rockford Police and Rockford Fire Department first responders arrived on the scene and found Tavernie unresponsive in the roadway. The Coroner's Office pronounced him dead at 3:05 a.m. He was the only person in the vehicle.

Autopsy and investigation details

According to the Coroner's press release, preliminary evidence indicated Tavernie was traveling at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his car. An autopsy has since been completed and confirmed blunt trauma to the head as the cause of death.

The crash remains under investigation by the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Coroner's Office. Authorities have not released additional details about what may have contributed to the crash.

Family seeks help with funeral costs

Tavernie's family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial costs. The fundraiser, created by a family member on behalf of his parents Rhonda and Richie Tavernie, has a goal of $8,000.

Parts of Harrison Avenue were shut down while police investigated and crews cleared the scene.

What to know

• Victim: Drevin Tavernie, 22, of Rockford
• Time: Approximately 1:15 a.m., June 17, 2026
• Location: 600 block of Harrison Avenue near Seminary Street, Rockford
• Cause of death: Blunt trauma to the head, according to the Winnebago County Coroner's Office
• Status: Investigation ongoing by Rockford Police and the Coroner's Office

Anyone with information about the crash can contact the Rockford Police Department at 815-966-2900 or submit anonymous tips by texting "RPDTIP" and the tip to 847411 or by calling Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.

• Reporting by WIFR News, Q98.5, 13 WREX, and MyStateline