STERLING, Illinois—
Two communities are grieving after a traffic accident near Sterling killed two persons Tuesday evening. It happened at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Illinois Route 2.Its flag lowered in tribute, the sign outside Newman Central Catholic High School symbolizes the sorrow. Michael McGarvey, 16, was killed in the car wreck. It happened just hours after his school day. On campus Wednesday, remembering that smile.
"You couldn't go by him without smiling back," said Newman Athletic Director Mike Papoccia. "He always had it on his face. He was loved by everybody because he was such a great personality."
Bev Alls, 69, who lived in Erie, was headed to work as an in-home care provider. She was a well-loved grandmother who had gone back to work when the accident happened. Two lives were lost in a matter of moments.
"As far as I'm concerned, everybody like Bev," said retired Erie Police Chief Pete Gorgean. "She was a very, very sweet and kind person."
It just took a split second. McGarvey's car swerving onto the wrong side of the road just before 7 Tuesday evening. Apparently, he was trying to avoid rear-ending another vehicle. Alls was just moving from the stop sign. She was wearing a seatbelt. He was not. Investigators say that alcohol was not a factor. Tragic results in what some already called a hazardous intersection.
"We've always thought that if it had flashing lights or some kind of warning, that it would help," said Andy Younger, who owns K's Korners just across the street.
Staffers at the general store and tavern called 9-1-1 and stepped into action. But as the site of other accidents and many near-misses, their worst fears came true before any improvements at the intersection.
"It doesn't cost much," Younger said. "Even if it did, it would save a life."
Around Erie on Wednesday, they remember Bev Alls as a nice lady who liked to help others.
"It's just a tragic accident," Gorgean said. "I've known the Alls for many years. She's going to be terribly missed."
And at Newman High, flowers for a friend. McGarvey was a good student who liked sports and serving his community. With a crisis counseling team at the school, trying to make some sense of it all.
"You can't blame God," Papoccia said. "You can't blame anybody. It just happened."
Two towns. Two generations. Two Tragedies.
