Fatal Vehicle Wreck and Fire Near Galena Under Investigation

The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident that occurred Tuesday morning, October 21st, 2025, just east of Galena.

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According to a media release from Sheriff Craig A. Ketelsen and the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened around 9:26 AM on West Stagecoach Trail, about one mile east of Galena near Heller Lane. Deputies were dispatched after a 911 call reported a vehicle on fire in the roadway east of Burton’s Bridge.

When emergency crews arrived, they found a Chevrolet Avalanche fully engulfed in flames. After firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, responders discovered a single occupant inside the vehicle who had not survived.

The initial report suggests the Avalanche had been traveling westbound on West Stagecoach Trail when it began negotiating a curve. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle drifted off the right shoulder into a ditch without signs of braking or turning. Authorities believe the vehicle then struck a tree at a high rate of speed, became airborne, and when it landed, hit the ditch again before being thrown back onto the roadway. The truck came to rest facing the opposite direction and caught fire soon afterwards.

The accident was not witnessed, but several people discovered it shortly after it occurred. Witnesses told deputies the vehicle was already fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. Additionally, the identity of the driver has not yet been released, pending positive identification and notification of family members.

Other area agencies assisting at the scene include the Galena Police Department, Galena Fire Department, Galena Area EMS District, Scales Mound Fire Protection District, Galena City Public Works, Jo Daviess County Highway Department, and the Jo Daviess County Coroner. The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.