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NewsThursday, March 27, 2008 2:26 PM CDT
Clinton woman dies in three-vehicle crash
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CLINTON -- A Clinton woman died as a result of a three-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Clinton.

DeWitt County Deputy Coroner Randy Rice said Mary Vinson, 77, died as a result of injuries suffered in the three-vehicle accident at the intersection of U.S. 51 and Illinois 54. The accident occurred about 2:15 p.m. and involved a semitrailer truck and two cars.

Vinson’s 1989 Oldsmobile Delta was southbound on 51 when it began turning left onto 54, state police said.

Entering the intersection, her car crashed into the driver’s side of a 2001 Dodge Intrepid that was northbound on 51, police said. The Dodge was driven by Kathleen Limer, 54, of Danvers.

The turn arrow for Vinson had turned red as she entered the intersection, police said.

Limer’s car spun around, continuing north through the intersection before coming to a stop. Vinson’s vehicle remained in the intersection.

The semi, driven by Shawn Tennant of Cochrane, Wis., was northbound on 51 behind Limer’s car. It could not stop in time and struck the rear passenger side of Vinson’s car.

Vinson was the sole occupant in her car.

Limer and her three passengers, Charity Halliday, 32, Alyssa Halliday, 9, and Kaylee Halliday, 7, were taken to BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

Limer’s condition was unavailable Wednesday night. Police said the Hallidays were treated and released, and Tennant was not injured in the crash.

Traffic had to be diverted off of U.S. 51 and 54 for several hours while police investigated the accident.

Take a look
Clinton Police Officer Mike Haws works the scene of a three-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon at U.S. 51 and Illinois 54 in Clinton. (Pantagraph/KEVIN BARLOW)
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Reader comments on this story - 21 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

GrandmaJan wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:40 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers to all involved. I hope the other woman was not seriously injured and that she and her family as well as the truck driver will
be ok from this horrible ACCIDENT! "

michelle24 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 5:50 PM:

" My comment would be for the victims family not to read these comments. I understand the right to voice ones opinion, and they mean well, but the families emotions are too raw right now, (rightfully so). Maybe it's something to think about. Mary's family are in my thoughts and prayers. "

CapricornKaren64 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Luree71... perhaps "We came on this site to help the family & give our condolences" is personal and should be handled on a personal level. Most funeral homes have on-line sites for just that. I do agree that many times too often, comments have been made on this site that have been way too unappropriate. However, again, this is an open comment section provided to all. It isn't just a personal grievance section. I am saddened by your loss and hope that the comments don't get too hasty and uncalled for. "

Dorothy wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Unless you know all the facts of the situation I don't think people should come to the conclusion that the victim sped through the intersection after the light turned red. Maybe, with her age, she had a sudden medical problem and didn't know what she was doing. Again this just goes back to you should think before you speak (type). "

Luree71 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:11 PM:

" To "CapricornKaren" & "Robin" - Did you notice that no one else agrees with you? There is a reason for that. Like all the others have said "This is neither the time or place" - We came on this site to help the family & give our condolences - not give "advice" as you call it. It was simply an accident. They happen all over the world every day, not to say that you aren't right about trying to help other people to be more careful, but again, not the time or place for it. This family just lost their loved one 24 hours ago. Have some compassion for the family. "

ES wrote on Mar 27, 2008 3:01 PM:

" Comments on this site that may or may not be viewed as insensitive is EXACTLY why the Pantagraph ought to print real names. No way does Robin Hood write what he/she did if a real name is used. "

Dorothy wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:40 PM:

" To everyone's comments below: I see the "point" that people are trying to get acrossed about stoplights. However, I agree with the others that at this point in time it is not the best time to be preaching about such things. If a later article is posted in reference to accidents in general, not related to anyone's death, then maybe that would have been a better time to discuss such a thing. With this article referencing someone's death, I feel that comments should be kept to offering sympathies and prayers for the family and offer that "May Mary Rest In Peace".I am sure that the family doesn't want this untimely death of a family member to be remembered by a point trying to be made by others. "

CapricornKaren64 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 2:28 PM:

" To Luree71 and others. This is a comment section. It is just not a place to place your grievances. If someone wants to say this is a wake up call, then they have every right to do so. The comment was not rude or uncalled for. Yes, we all sympathize with the loss of Mary, but we don't have to make our comments to show such. It is an open post. Get over it. "

Sometimes wrote on Mar 27, 2008 1:36 PM:

" To: Luree71-How was Robin posting negative comments? I think he was merely pointing out the fact we all need to be careful with stoplights. In fact, I think he was trying to look out for other people so this tragedy does not happen again when its one that is preventable. I don’t think that is being so “heartless” as you say. "

Luree71 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 12:37 PM:

" Robin, I also see your point, however, everyone else has a point that you should keep those kinds of thoughts to yourself at a time like this. How heartless can you be at a time like this???? This is the wrong time & place for your "insight" on the situation. Maybe you need to find out the facts before you ridicule someone! Keep your negative thoughts to yourself because no one else wants to hear them! "

Robin the Hood wrote on Mar 27, 2008 11:15 AM:

" Just so I'm clear on this, I wouldn't post this comment on a obituary, which is clearly meant to commemorate someone's life. However, this is news that can be used to help people. If now is not the time, then when is? "

FireBoi84 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 10:24 AM:

" Robin, we see your point. However, this is still not the time to point out a possible flaw and mistake that someone could make. I AM a family member of Mary's and think that it's disrespectful that you want to continue this "learning experience" discussion on the article stating she's passed away. Please respect her and all of us. Mary did not run a red light, that was determined already. But, thank you for your concerns and safety of others. Please let the family (us) grieve and not get upset when we read a post of yours that show no feelings/respect...Please look at it as if this were your own family member. What would you think then? Rest In Peace Aunt Mary. We'll miss you greatly! "

Robin the Hood wrote on Mar 27, 2008 9:28 AM:

" I lived in Clinton for 20 years and am also familiar with that intersection. My father also worked with a member of the deceased's family, so I am not a detached observer. Mary had lived in Clinton for a long time, so I'm guessing she was also familiar with the speed with which the lights change. there If we as a people don't learn from a horrible incident like this, avoidable tragedies will only continue. "

Duber3 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:43 AM:

" I'm completely aware of what the article is about and very familiar with that intersection, as I lived in Clinton for 25 years. It's still very uncalled for to make a comment when someone is grieving and might be reading this. Use some common sense and save the "wake up call" for something else. Accidents happen. I also know that the lights change very quickly in Clinton, including the ones on the highway, so maybe she thought she had time when it turned yellow. "

cowbella wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:30 AM:

" Duber3, The comments that Robin the Hood made, were not uncalled for. If you do not know the victim, this article was about a woman that died as a result of driving through a red light on a very busy highway. The article clearly stated that. This is not being rude, it is a fact. This happens all the time around here. People do not stop on red, they continue to go. It is a major cause of many accidents. If anything, this article could be a wake up call for many people who just don't care. I am sorry for your loss, but if it might make someone else stop the next time...so be it. "

Duber3 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 8:11 AM:

" Always has to be someone to make a comment that is completely uncalled for. Way to show compassion Robin. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. "

Robin the Hood wrote on Mar 27, 2008 7:17 AM:

" Thoughts and prayers to the family for their loss. I hope this is a sobering reminder for everyone that red lights mean stop, not hurry through the intersection. "

FireBoi84 wrote on Mar 27, 2008 6:24 AM:

" Thanks for the thoughts and prayers from everyone thus far. We have a very strong family that has come together at this time to mourn the loss of our aunt, sister, mother, grandma, cousin, and friend. Aunt Mary, we'll miss you sadly and deeply. Another comment is very correct when it says ''words cannot describe such a loss, a lovely life..." You were a great woman and always loved and took care of your family best a person could. Love You Aunt Mary!! "

editorgirl62 wrote on Mar 26, 2008 11:34 PM:

" My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and her family, and my hopes are that everyone else involved were not seriously injured. "

jipsi wrote on Mar 26, 2008 10:51 PM:

" Another tragedy hitting close to home...
Words cannot describe such a loss, a lovely life...
With deepest sympathies to the family, and I will keep them all in my prayers.
Godspeed, Mary...

;-( "

michelle24 wrote on Mar 26, 2008 5:12 PM:

" Hoping all involved make a speedy recovery. "

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