Champaign Couple ID'd Among Victims Killed In I-55 Dust Storm Crashes

CHAMPAIGN, IL — A local piano teacher and her husband are the latest victims of this week’s deadly crash on I-55 to be identified, the Illinois State Police reported. The pileup, which happened during a dust storm that reduced visibility to zero, killed seven people and injured 37 more.

Amy and Mike Zinchuk of Champaign were identified this week as investigators continue to look into Monday’s deadly incident0 involving 72 vehicles.

The Champaign couple had been married for 30 years, according to a GoFundMe fundraising effort started by Debbie Rodriguez, a longtime friend of the couple.

“I, like many other families in the Champaign area, first knew Amy as their child's amazing piano teacher. Quickly though, you become friends with this fabulous woman,” Rodriguez wrote. “She had such a positive impact on so many with her weekly piano lessons. Over the years I was also grateful to get to know Mike and their youngest son, and their 2 wonderful dogs who were always happy to see you.”

According to the GoFundMe, the couple leaves behind three children. The fundraising effort has raised more than $26,000 as of Friday. Donations will go towards funeral expenses.

The couple is among four crash victims to be identified by police. Previously, an 88-year-old Wisconsin woman had been identified. Police have also identified a Missouri woman who was killed, but have not yet released her name.

Earlier this week, state police officials said they are still working to identify victims who were occupants of a blue Chrysler 3000 and a Hyundai.

The crash, which took place just before noon on Monday, closed a nearly 20-mile stretch of I-55 after high winds created blackout conditions when dirt from nearby farm fields almost eliminated visibility for drivers, police said.

A celebration of life was scheduled to take place on Friday for the Champaign couple.

An obituary for the two called them "beloved parents, friends and so much more to many people," and said they were "known for their penchant for big, friendly dogs."

Amy, a piano teacher, was known for her passion for music and love of dance.

"She passed on her personal brand of music to anyone she would meet, especially her children, and lived her life with the strong belief that dancing is appropriate in nearly every environment," the obituary reads.

Mike, it said, "was truly a one-of-a-kind man who built his life around supporting his children and wife ... An avid reader and lover of history, Mike never stopped learning about individuals who inspired him, and his knowledge of the 'Lord of the Rings' series was only surpassed by author J.R.R. Tolkien himself."