State Trooper Dead After Thursday Night Interstate Crash

An Illinois State Police trooper is dead after a semi-truck traveling southbound on I-294 struck an ISP vehicle near Willow Road just after 11:30 p.m., Thursday night, according to a state police press release.

Trooper James Sauter was pronounced dead at the scene early Friday morning. He was 28.

Sauter's vehicle was parked on the highway's shoulder when the truck hit him from behind, causing both vehicles to burst into flames, the Chicago Tribune reports.  

"It was a pretty horrific accident. We don’t have all the details yet," ISP Director Hiram Grau said in a morning press conference, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Sauter is survived by his wife, Elizabeth. He has been with the ISP since June 29, 2008. 

Funeral arrangements have been made with a visitation on Monday, April 1 The Hills Funeral Home at 10201 S. Roberts Rd. in Palos Hills. Services will be on Tuesday, April 2 at 11:00 a.m. at The Morraine Valley Church at 6300 W. 127th St in Palos Heights.

Sign up for the Northbrook Patch morning newsletter to get the latest police and fire updates in your email.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the tragic death of Trooper James Sauter, and on behalf of the men and women of the Illinois State Police, I offer sincere condolences to Trooper Sauter’s family,” Grau said in a release. “Trooper Sauter left a legacy of courage, honor and duty and we will never forget Star #6095. Our hearts are heavy with grief, but they are also strengthened by Trooper Sauter’s brave calling and dedicated service to ISP."

Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur released the following statement regarding the crash:

“On behalf of the Tollway board and entire Illinois Tollway, we are saddened by the tragic loss of Illinois State Police District 15 Trooper James Sauter. District 15 and its troopers are assigned to serve and protect our 286-mile system of tollways, and we consider them to be part of our Illinois Tollway family. We extend our sympathy to Trooper Sauter’s family and the Illinois State Police after this horrible accident.”