21-04-2025
Illinois plane crash leaves 4 from Menomonie dead
The Brief
A plane crash in central Illinois claimed the lives of four people from Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Officials released the identities of the victims on Sunday.
The NTSB is now investigating the cause of the crash.
(FOX 9) - A plane crash near Trilla, Illinois on Saturday claimed the lives of four people from Menomonie, Wisconsin, officials said.
What we know
Illinois State Police say the plane crashed around 10:15 a.m. near Trilla in southern Illinois. Authorities say it appears the Cessna 180 struck powerlines and crashed into a field, according to the FAA and NTSB.
Officials said four people, two men and two women, from Menomonie, Wisconsin were killed.
Local perspective
The Coles County coroner identified the victims on Sunday as:
Ross R. Nelson, 46-year-old man
Raimi A. Rundle, 45-year-old woman
Courtney L. Morrow, 36-year-old woman
Michael H. Morrow, 48-year-old man
The backstory
According to online records, Nelson was the owner of the plane.
Flight records show the plane left the Menomonie Municipal Airport on Wednesday morning, making stops in Kentucky and then Nashville, Tennessee.
The plane left Lester Airfield in Sacramento, Kentucky around 9:13 a.m. before crashing in Illinois.
What we don't know
The exact cause of the crash is not yet known.
FAA investigators were on scene on Saturday and NTSB crews were expected to arrive at the scene on Sunday.
What they're saying
The NTSB tells FOX 32 in Chicago they will review flight tracking data, recordings from air traffic control, maintenance records, weather, and other factors as they investigate.
In a statement, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker mourned the victims of the crash.
"Terrible news out of Coles County," he said. "My administration is monitoring the situation as we keep those impacted by the plane crash in our thoughts today. Thank you to the first responders who rushed to the scene. Please follow the guidance of officials as they provide assistance."
What's next
A preliminary NTSB report, which should be released in the next two to four weeks, may lend some insight into what caused the crash.
