Authorities investigating after 2 found dead in ditch near Buckner

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating after two people were found dead in a ditch near State Highway 14 in Buckner.

Franklin County Sheriff Kyle Bacon says the sheriff’s office received a 911 call on July 31 around 6:23 a.m. from a passing driver reporting that two people were laying in a ditch beside the roadway on State Highway 14 near South Jenette Street in Buckner.

Deputies responded and found the two people. Both were dead.

Detectives were immediately requested to the scene.

Sheriff Bacon says preliminary information indicates that both people were struck while walking along State Highway 14.

Deputies identified the vehicle and driver that were involved. A short time later both were located.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Buckner Fire Department, Christopher Police Department, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services, Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Franklin County Coroner’s Office assisted the sheriff’s department at the scene.