3 dead after SUV hits tree, catches fire in Kankakee
Share and Follow


KANKAKEE, Ill. (WGN) — Three people are dead after an SUV left the road in Kankakee and hit a tree, causing the vehicle to be engulfed in flames, according to the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office (KCCO).

Kankakee County Coroner Robert Gessner said the KCCO was called to the scene of a motor vehicle fatality in the 900 block of South Cobb Boulevard around 1:15 a.m. Sunday.

KCCO’s preliminary findings showed that a 2008 GMC Yukon left the roadway and hit a tree. After the initial impact, the SUV caught fire and was fully engulfed in flames, according to the Kankakee Fire and Police Departments. Officers on scene tried to pull the vehicle’s occupants to safety, but were unable to overcome how strong the fire had become.

All three occupants in the vehicle—45-year-old Kiyantis Riley, 48-year-old Philip Birdsong and 41-year-old Jeffrey Clark II—were from Kankakee and died from their injuries.

The incident remains under investigation by the KCCO, KCPD and Illinois State Police Troop 5.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Explore Our Interactive Map: Forecasted Snowfall in Your Area During the Upcoming Storm

(NEXSTAR) – As arctic air moves in, a bone-chilling cold is gripping…

Trump Administration Shifts Defense Strategy: Allies Encouraged to Strengthen Self-Defense Capabilities

In a significant revelation, the Pentagon unveiled a new National Defense Strategy…

Trump Withdraws Canada’s Invitation to Join Global Peace Board, Sparking Diplomatic Tensions

In a notable development, President Trump has rescinded Canadian Prime Minister Mark…

Justice Served: Predator Who Groomed Teen with ‘Age is Just a Number’ Sentenced to 23 Years

In McAllen, Texas, a 24-year-old man from Weslaco, Walter Phillip Wilkins, has…

Court Documents Challenge ICE’s Claims of Targeting Only the ‘Worst of the Worst’ in Maine Detentions

PORTLAND, Maine – Recent operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in…

Unmissable Full Court Friday Highlights: Top Plays & Thrilling Moments from January 23, 2026

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) – Dive into the excitement of high school basketball…

Brace Yourself: Unseasonably Cold Weather Makes a Comeback

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Following a delightful spell of warm weather, Savannah is…

Sanford Responds to Motorist Concerns by Removing Speed Tables

SANFORD, Fla. – In a surprising turn of events, three newly added…