Michael Millizer, Robert Haskins Obituary, Death – Two men who died in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 67 near Preemption, Illinois, have been identified by local authorities. Mercer County Coroner Gregory D. Larson confirmed the victims as 63-year-old Michael Millizer of East Moline and 70-year-old Robert Haskins of Matherville.
The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday when one of the vehicles, traveling southbound, reportedly crossed the center line and collided head-on with another vehicle heading northbound. Both drivers suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency response teams quickly arrived to assist following the collision. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office was supported by multiple agencies, including the Matherville and Sherrard Fire Departments, Advanced Medical Transport, Illinois State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Mercer County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities have not yet released further details about why the southbound vehicle veered into the opposite lane. The names of the vehicle makes or any potential contributing factors such as speed, weather, or road conditions have not been disclosed at this time.
The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Illinois State Police, continues to investigate the incident to determine the cause of the crash. As the investigation is ongoing, officials are working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the deadly collision.
Both victims were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles. The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by even brief moments of distraction or error behind the wheel, particularly on rural highways like U.S. 67, where head-on crashes can be especially severe.
Community members have expressed condolences to the families of Millizer and Haskins. Friends and neighbors described both men as longtime residents of their respective towns, who will be missed by many.
Authorities have urged drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and follow all traffic safety rules while on the road. In cases like this, investigators typically examine factors such as potential medical emergencies, impairment, or mechanical failure that might have caused a vehicle to stray from its lane.
Anyone with additional information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at 309-582-5194. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available through the official investigation.
As the community mourns the tragic loss of two lives, officials continue to stress the importance of safe and cautious driving to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
