Illinois State Police say they’re continuing their investigation into the crash that killed 20-year-old Mattix Sandifer on August 8th. In a news release Tuesday, officials confirmed the division of Criminal Investigation is working to learn what led up to and the circumstances surrounding the crash. It was just before 2am Friday, August 8th when troopers responded to Highway 34 about a mile west of Harco Road near Galatia in Saline County. Investigators have determined a Chevy Silverado was southbound when it drove off the roadway into a ditch. The driver, 21-year-old Jacob Ahrens, (sister station WFIW reports the son of Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Paul Ahrens) and a passenger, 20-year-old Konner Pemberton were airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries. Sandifer was pronounced dead at the scene. All three young men are from Ridgway.
Online court records show the Saline County States Attorney has formally charged Jacob Ahrens with Driving Under the Influence along with several traffic violations including driving without insurance. He has a first court appearance set for September 22nd. State Police say they are continuing to investigate and are working closely with the Saline County States Attorney’s Office.