One dead after accident in Edgar County, state police increase patrols

By Robby Tucker [email protected]

WOODYARD – More details are coming to light about a two-vehicle crash, including the identity of a man who died from injuries sustained in the crash. Carl Goulding, 63, of Oakwood, died Monday, July 22, in the intensive care unit at Carle Foundation Hospital, according to a news release from Champaign County Coroner Stephen Thuny. Goulding’s death was attributed to “multiple blunt force injuries” sustained in the crash, which occurred 12 days earlier on July 10. No autopsy has been performed, but Goulding’s death remains under investigation, according to Thuny.

According to a report from the Illinois State Police (ISP) Patrol Troop 7, state troopers arrived at the scene of the accident at around 3:46 p.m. According to preliminary information in the report, Goulding was a passenger in a red 2001 Ford Ranger. The Ranger, driven by a 59-year-old Michael Owen of Danville was driving north on State Route 1 behind a gray Jeep. The lead vehicle was driven by Karlee Tinder, 28, of Ridge Farm.

Tinder began to slow down and attempted to turn left near the intersection of State Route 1 and 2700th North. As Tinder began to turn, Owen attempted to pass in a no-passing zone on her left.

Tinder’s vehicle struck the rear of Owen’s truck, causing it to “spin and roll over several times,” according to the report.

Goulding and Owen were both taken from the scene with “life-threatening injuries,” while Tinder was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. In an earlier article, the Prairie Press reported that two occupants were transported for medical care and were in stable condition, according to communications between dispatchers and emergency responders on scene. At that time, Goulding’s involvement in the accident and his condition were unknown.

Owen was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, improper lane usage, passing in a no passing zone and failure to wear a seatbelt. He will appear at the Edgar County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 15.

In addition, Goulding was charged with failure to wear a seat belt and Tinder was charged with driving an uninsured motor vehicle.

The accident is the latest in a series of fatal crashes that have occurred in Edgar County and surrounding communities this year. Due to the high number of accidents, the ISP has increased its patrol presence in the area to crack down on irresponsible drivers.

“We are seeing an increase in serious crashes along state and U.S. routes in the nine counties (ISP) covered by Squad 7,” Trooper Josh Robinson said in a statement to a Prairie Press reporter. “Based on this data, Squad 7 is conducting targeted patrols focusing on fatal 4 violations throughout the squad, including Edgar County.”

The statement also noted that ISP Troop 7 “works with local and regional law enforcement agencies, as well as other ISP resources, to increase traffic safety through strategic enforcement and education” whenever possible.

This story is continually developing. The Prairie Press will provide further updates as they become available. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.