Illini Wrestler Hit By Car, Then Run Over By Larger Vehicle: Cops

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, IL — An Oak Forest High School grad and University of Illinois wrestler who was killed in a hit-and-run last week near Champaign might have been struck first by a passenger car before before being run over by a second, larger vehicle, Illinois State Police now suspect. Francis Edelen was fatally hit March 21 while possibly trying to flag down help following an earlier two-car accident along Interstate 57.

According to a statement Thursday, investigators believe "a passenger vehicle or lower-profile vehicle" initially hit Edelen, 21. That vehicle is thought to have sustained front-end damage, which could include the hood, windshield and roof, police said.

After Edelen was hit by the smaller vehicle, a larger vehicle — possibly an SUV, minivan or pickup truck — is suspected of running over him, according to state police. Tire marks show a vehicle also swerved away from the accident, and investigators would like to interview any drivers who took evasive action to avoid the scene, police said.

More Patch Coverage:

• Oak Forest Grad, Illini Wrestler Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash
• Family, Coach Remember Illini Wrestler Killed In Hit-and-Run

Originally, investigators had thought Edelen, whose family now lives in Manhattan, had been initially hit by semi-tractor trailer.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Illinois State Police at 217-278-5004. Substantial information might lead to a cash reward, according to authorities.

Francis Edelen (Photo via University of Illinois)