On The Record

Fatal Crash Investigation

On January 26, 2023, at approximately 7:17 am, Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to the area of Illinois Route 26 North and Old Route 26 in rural Orangeville for a report of a damaged vehicle off the roadway.

Upon arrival, Thomas Zulke, 27 of Freeport, was found deceased near a severely damaged vehicle. No other vehicle or persons were involved.

The results of the preliminary investigation indicate that a vehicle driven by the decedent was traveling northbound on Illinois Route 26 south of Old Route 26 when it crossed over the southbound traffic l...