MARION COUNTY, IL — Authorities have released the identities of those involved in a fatal crash between a motorcycle and pickup truck Sunday on U.S. Highway 51 between Sandoval and Patoka. According to Illinois State Police, 45-year-old Robert E. Watson, of Centralia was driving a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle southbound on U.S. 51 near Bowen Road in Marion County when he lost control of the motorcycle, crossed into the northbound lane, and struck head-on a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck being driven by 65-year-old John J. Schuelssler, of Decatur.
The Marion County Coroner declared Watson dead at the scene, his 39-year-old passenger Ruby R. Morgan, also of Centralia, was airlifted to a St. Louis area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Schuessler and his 34-year-old passenger Andrew E. Schuessler, also of Decatur did not seek medical attention. The Patoka Fire Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Department were called to assist.
ISP closed the stretch of highway between Ferrydale and Wisher roads for several hours Sunday as they investigated the fatal crash.
