2 Judson University Seniors Killed In Chain-Reaction Crash

ELGIN, IL — Two Judson University seniors are dead and two more are injured following a chain-reaction crash that happened near the Elgin campus Tuesday night.

The collision happened about 9:15 p.m. when a vehicle occupied by the Judson students headed south on State Street (Route 31), began to turn onto Judson Drive and was hit by northbound vehicles, according to a news release from the Elgin Police Department. Three northbound vehicles were involved in a chain-reaction crash with the southbound vehicle, police said.

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Two passengers in the southbound vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. Two other occupants in the same vehicle, as well as two people from the other vehicles, were taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, police said.

The two students who were killed in the crash have been identified by Judson University officials as Dallas Colburn, a senior from Plano, and Nathanael Madison a senior from Wenersville, Pennsylvania, according to a message posted on the university's Facebook page Wednesday morning.

The two students who were injured were taken to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin. All the students were seniors in Judson's architecture program, according to university officials.

Judson President Gene Crume shared the news of the students' deaths during a special meeting for residential students that was held during the early morning hours Wednesday.

“We are deeply saddened and mourn this tragic loss tonight. We grieve with the families and ask for prayers for the students and their families,” Crume said. “Our prayers are also with the students who were injured and who will be impacted by this tragic accident. We continue to trust in God who walks alongside us in every situation.”

Judson’s Wellness Center staff are available to talk with any students who are struggling following the crash.

Herrick Chapel will be available to students all day Wednesday in memory of Colburn and Madison. The university will announce plans later in the week for memorial services on Judson’s campus to honor Colburn and Madison.

The Elgin Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate the traffic crash. Anyone with more information is asked to call the Traffic Unit at 847-289-2660.