TRILLA, Ill. — A tragic plane crash in east central Illinois claimed the lives of four residents from Menomonie, Wisconsin, on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. when a Cessna 180, a small single-engine aircraft, crashed into a field southeast of Coles County Memorial Airport, specifically at 551-587 County Road 1400 North in Trilla.
According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), all four individuals aboard the plane were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were identified as 46-year-old Ross R. Nelson, 48-year-old Michael H. Morrow, 45-year-old Raimi A. Rundle, and 36-year-old Courtney L. Morrow. All were from Menomonie, and their families have been notified.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, including the plane's departure point and intended destination. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has taken the lead on the investigation.
Eyewitness accounts provide a glimpse into the chaos that unfolded during the incident. One resident, Kynnedi Goldstein, described hearing a loud boom from her home shortly before the power went out. "I was sitting in my room, and I was getting ready to turn a show on and all of a sudden I hear this noise. It's like the whole 'boom,' and then our power went out for a second, and then our generator kicked on. So then I go out to our sunroom, and I look, and there's a huge pile of smoke," Goldstein recounted.
Authorities reported that the aircraft likely struck several power lines before crashing. In the aftermath of the incident, County Road 1400 N was closed to traffic, although it was expected to reopen later that day. ISP Troop 7 confirmed that the crash site was secured, and local law enforcement assisted with the ongoing investigation.
In a statement regarding the tragedy, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his condolences. "Terrible news out of Coles County. 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," he posted on X.
The crash has left the community in shock, as residents grapple with the loss of four lives in such a sudden and tragic manner. The investigation by the NTSB will seek to uncover the precise causes of the crash, including any mechanical failures or other contributing factors.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the victims are left to mourn their loved ones. The community of Menomonie, known for its close-knit atmosphere, is rallying together to support those affected by this heart-wrenching incident.
The NTSB has stated that it will take time to complete a thorough investigation, and they will release their findings to the public once available. Meanwhile, ISP continues to urge the public to stay clear of the area as they manage the aftermath of the crash.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, even with small aircraft. As safety measures continue to evolve, the hope is that such tragedies can be minimized in the future.
The community's grief is palpable, but so is their resilience. As they come together to support one another, they also reflect on the lives lost and the impact these individuals had on their lives.
As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on understanding what led to this tragic event and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. The NTSB is expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks, shedding light on the factors that contributed to this devastating crash.
