Prophetstown, IL (May 21, 2025) – A fatal two-vehicle collision occurred Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of Perkins Road and Mill Road in rural Prophetstown, leaving one man dead and another injured, according to the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
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The incident happened around 4:35 p.m. on May 21, when an automatic crash alert from an iPhone notified emergency responders. Investigators found that a 2007 black Ford sedan, driven by 40-year-old Jacob Penaflor of Prophetstown, was traveling south on Perkins Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at Mill Road. The Ford then struck a 2024 black Chevrolet crossover heading east on Mill Road, operated by 39-year-old Benjamin Weidel, also from Prophetstown.
The collision caused the Ford to roll over several times. Penaflor sustained injuries that were not life-threatening and was transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, Weidel was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office stated that the Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Whiteside County Coroner’s Office, Illinois State Police, Prophetstown Police Department, Prophetstown Fire and EMS, Yorktown Fire Department, Tampico Fire Department, Lyndon Fire Department, and Todd’s Tire & Auto.
Illinois Car Accidents
In Illinois, fatal car accidents happen far too often, leaving families shattered and communities grieving. While no one ever expects to lose a loved one in a tragic collision, the aftermath can be overwhelming—and seeking justice may feel like an impossible task. If your family is coping with the devastating loss of a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, it’s important to know that you have legal options.
Acting swiftly after a fatal crash is essential. Preserving evidence, obtaining medical and police records, and documenting the full extent of the loss are all key steps that can significantly impact the outcome of a wrongful death claim. These moments are not only emotionally taxing but can also bring financial strain from funeral costs, lost income, and other damages.
You don’t have to go through this painful process alone. The experienced wrongful death attorneys at Ankin Law are here to help families across Illinois, including the greater Chicago area, navigate these heartbreaking circumstances. We are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable and ensuring your family receives the justice and financial support you deserve.
At Ankin Law, we approach every case with compassion and commitment. Our team of wrongful death lawyers takes the time to listen, understand your situation, and build a solid case tailored to your needs. With decades of experience advocating for grieving families, we’re prepared to handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Illinois, reach out to Ankin Law today at 312-600-0000 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us stand with you and fight for the accountability and closure your family needs during this incredibly difficult time.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
