Driver in deadly Mattoon nursing home crash admits to smoking a ‘few hours' before
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Sworn statements from police have revealed new details into the deadly crash that killed one person and critically injured another at a Mattoon nursing home last Friday.
On May 2, 54-year-old Curtis Meadows hit the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home, pinning two victims against a wall. Police said that for unknown reasons, the vehicle had driven around 335 yards in a mostly straight line before turning onto S Logan St. and hitting the building.
Then, the vehicle traveled about 20 feet into the building, causing 'massive' damage to the structure and inside of the building.
Driver in deadly Mattoon nursing home crash charged with DUI, reckless homicide
When police responded to the crash, they found 82-year-old Sharon Harpster pinned between the wall and the bed. Initially, she was conscious and alert, police said, but was pronounced dead soon after being pulled from the debris.
The second victim was pinned underneath debris. After she was freed, she was transported to Carle Hospital in 'critical condition.'
Police talked to Meadows at the scene. After the crash, he was 'alert and aware of the accident,' police said, and had a minor injury to his thumb.
Curtis claimed he fell unconscious after the car turned onto S Logan St., according to police documents. When he awoke, he said he could hear people screaming and realized he was in an accident. Curtis also admitted to smoking cannabis a few hours before the crash.
Police offered Curtis a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST's), and he agreed to submit. According to the sworn statement, Curtis had 'red, glassy, watery, bloodshot eyes, puffy eyelids and a dry mouth.' Police added that he showed multiple signs of impairment during DUI testing, which led to his arrest for suspicion of DUI for cannabis and potentially other substances.
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Curtis also agreed to submit blood and urine chemical testing at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Once there, he was admitted to the ER after staff learned that he had become 'momentarily' unconscious.
Police said Curtis would be transferred to the Coles County Sheriff's Office to be detained.
The Coles County State's Attorney Office confirmed that Meadows was denied pretrial release by a judge Tuesday afternoon.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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