Published: May 07, 2008 02:09 pm            

Man killed in ATV crash

By PAUL LORENZ

paul.lorenz@mcleansborotimesleader.com

CARMI — A McLeansboro man is dead after an all-terrain vehicle crash in rural southeast Hamilton County, Illinois State Police reported.

Johnnie L. Allen, 57, of Route 4, McLeansboro, was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, which occurred about 4 p.m. Sunday at Hamilton County Road 400N — Big Hill Cemetery Road — about four-tenths of a mile west of County Road 1725E, state police at District 19 headquarters in Carmi reported.

Allen, driving a Honda three-wheel ATV, was southbound on County Road 400N, heading down a steep grade from Big Hill Cemetery, when he was unable to negotiate a curve to the left, police reported.

The ATV skidded on loose gravel, traveling more than 50 feet before leaving the road on the south side and striking a large tree, then overturning into a farm field, ejecting Allen, the police report said.

Allen was the father of John Adam Allen of McLeansboro and the grandfather of Brandy Nicole Allen, who also both met tragic deaths. John Adam Allen died last June when the truck he was driving went off an interstate and plunged into a creek in southern Indiana; his 22-month-old daughter drowned in a farm pond in March 2004.

Gholson Funeral Home, McLeansboro, was in charge of arrangements. Complete obituary information is on Page 2A today.

        

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