Peoria County, Illinois – The community of Chillicothe is mourning the loss of Floyd Henderson, 58, and his wife, Leah Henderson, 51, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident on Saturday night. The accident, which occurred near the intersection of Route 29 and Knox Street in Rome, Illinois, involved a collision between the couple’s motorcycle and a pickup truck.
According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), the accident happened at approximately 10:00 p.m. when the motorcycle, traveling westbound on Knox Street, failed to stop at a stop sign. This led to a collision with a northbound vehicle on Route 29. The impact of the collision ejected both Floyd and Leah Henderson from their motorcycle. Despite the prompt arrival of emergency services, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood later identified the deceased as Floyd and Leah Henderson, both longtime residents of Chillicothe. The news has sent shockwaves through their community, where the couple was well-known and loved. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted on Monday to determine the exact cause of death.
Derek Childers, a friend of the couple, expressed his grief on Facebook, saying, "Without words right now knowing we lost a good friend last night. Floyd Henderson and Leah, you will be forever missed. Sad knowing that such good people are no longer here and with God."
The Illinois State Police have closed Route 29 until approximately 4:30 a.m. on Sunday morning to conduct a thorough investigation. The driver of the pickup truck involved in the crash was unharmed and is cooperating fully with the authorities.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about why the motorcycle did not yield at the stop sign. Investigators are considering factors such as speed, visibility, and potential mechanical issues that could have contributed to the tragic accident.
The passing of Floyd and Leah Henderson has left a profound impact on their family, friends, and the wider Peoria County community. The community is united in its grief, keeping the Henderson family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.