Aleksandr Avanesov Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Jo Daviess County are investigating a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a 64-year-old driver on Thursday night. According to a statement from the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene at approximately 8:17 p.m. after reports of a collision along U.S. Route 20. When first responders arrived, they discovered two damaged vehicles — a Chrysler and a Rivian — at the crash site.
Officials said the Chrysler, driven by 64-year-old Aleksandr Avanesov of Benton, Wisconsin, was located in a ditch near the roadway. The Rivian, driven by 42-year-old Patrick Jung of Galena, Illinois, was found blocking traffic on the main roadway. Emergency medical personnel responded immediately to assist those involved.
Deputies reported that Avanesov was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment. Sadly, despite life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced deceased. Officials confirmed that the other driver, Patrick Jung, and his passenger, identified as Rhea Jung, were assessed by emergency personnel at the scene but did not require hospitalization.
Based on preliminary findings, investigators believe that Avanesov was driving westbound on U.S. Route 20 when, for reasons still being determined, his vehicle crossed the center line into the eastbound lane. His Chrysler then collided with Jung’s Rivian, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles. The impact caused Avanesov’s car to veer off the roadway and come to rest in a ditch.
Law enforcement temporarily restricted access to the crash area while investigators documented the scene and cleared debris from the roadway. Tow trucks later removed both vehicles to allow traffic to resume normal flow.
The sheriff’s office noted that the investigation remains ongoing, with accident reconstruction specialists reviewing the scene evidence and vehicle data to understand what led to the incident. They are also working to determine whether any contributing factors — such as road conditions, driver fatigue, or mechanical issues — played a role in the crash.
Authorities expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Avanesov during this difficult time. No citations or charges have been filed as of yet, pending completion of the full investigation.
The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office has urged drivers to exercise caution on rural highways, especially during nighttime hours when visibility is reduced. They emphasized the importance of remaining alert, staying within marked lanes, and obeying posted speed limits to help prevent similar tragedies.
Residents in the area said the section of U.S. Route 20 where the collision occurred has seen several serious accidents in recent years, due in part to its curves and limited lighting. Law enforcement and transportation officials have reportedly been reviewing safety measures for that stretch of road.
The sheriff’s office stated that updates will be provided once investigators complete their analysis and the full report is reviewed by the State’s Attorney’s Office.
At this time, the crash continues to be treated as a tragic traffic incident with no indications of criminal activity. Officials encourage anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area around 8:15 p.m. Thursday to contact the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office to assist with the ongoing investigation.
This remains an active case, and further details will be released as they become available.
