Driver cited in downstate crash that killed Illinois state trooper: ISP

A 28-year-old state trooper died on Friday after being involved in a crash while on duty, according to the Illinois State Police.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - A 28-year-old state trooper died on Friday after being involved in a crash while on duty, according to the Illinois State Police.

Authorities held a press briefing Saturday afternoon to provide more details on the crash, which happened around 3:40 p.m. near Champaign.

Trooper Corey Thompsen was on duty, finishing a traffic enforcement detail and riding east on East Leverette Road toward County Road 1300 E on a motorcycle.

A truck, driven by 32-year-old Helen Torres, was traveling south on County Road 1300 E. and stopped at the intersection with Leverett Road before pulling into the roadway and striking Thompsen's motorcycle, according to police.

Authorities said a witness helped provide aid to Thompsen until an ambulance arrived. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries, at 4:32 p.m., ISP said.

The other driver, Torres, was also taken to the hospital but had non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said Torres was cited for failure to yield right of way at a stop intersection and no valid driver's license – expired less than one year.

"This is a sad moment. We are hurting. Corey’s brothers and sisters in motor enforcement, Special Operation Group, Troop 7, patrol, the Zone, Vermilion Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and across ISP are hurting," said ISP Director Kelly. "Corey’s family is hurting badly today. This is the first, and I hope the last, trooper who I personally administered the oath of an ISP officer to that I’ve lost in a line of duty death. The first and I hope the last Trooper who I’ve seen at the beginning of their watch and at the end of their watch. I ask for your thoughts, your love, and your prayers and good will for his family and his Illinois State Police family."

Thompsen had served nearly five years with the ISP and was assigned to the Special Operatures Group Fatal Four team. He is survived by his wife, mother, father and brothers.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Chicago issued a statement on Thompsen's passing, shared below:

"ATF Chicago Field Division is saddened to hear of the line of duty death of Illinois State Police Trooper Corey S. Thompsen October 18 while selflessly serving the community of Champaign County; heartfelt thoughts for courage and peace to his family & colleagues."

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.