One killed, three injured in Monroe County car crash

One person was killed and three others were injured in a single-car crash that occurred Sunday afternoon in Monroe County.

The crash happened around 3 p.m. on Hanover Road, approximately a quarter mile west of Illinois Route 3, according to a Monday morning news release from Illinois State Police. The state agency is assisting the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department in the ongoing investigation of the crash.

Shortly before the crash, a Waterloo police officer saw the car involved traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 3, the release stated.

One person was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Monroe County Coroner’s office, according to state police. Another person was airlifted to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and two other juveniles were transported by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim has been identified Sunday as Crawford Bryant, a sophomore soccer player at Columbia High School.

“This tragic incident has profoundly affected multiple families, as well as our dedicated first responders,” Sgt. Justin Biggs of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department wrote in a statement Sunday night. “On behalf of Sheriff Neal Rohlfing, we respectfully request that the public allows time for the grieving process and respects the privacy of those involved.”

Christ Community Lutheran Church in Columbia scheduled a prayer vigil for 6-8 p.m. Monday in response to the crash.