SALEM — Dense fog is likely the cause of a Wednesday morning crash between a car and a garbage truck just north of Salem that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old Salem man this morning.

The Marion County Coroner pronounced Wyatt McGhee dead on the scene of the Wednesday morning accident at the intersection of Illinois Route 37 and Basom Road.

It was not immediately clear how many were injured. But early reports of the accident indicated Wyatt McGhee’s brother Weston McGhee, a passenger in the vehicle, was initially taken to Salem Township Hospital and eventually transported to a St. Louis area hospital. Wyatt’s condition is unknown at this time.

Coroner Troy Cannon says initial examination of McGhee’s body indicates blunt force trauma to the chest, consistent with the motor vehicle crash as reported.

Cannon also notes that due to the nature of the incident, all team members of the Coroner’s Office were pressed into service.

Rankin Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit are handling the accident investigation.

Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies, State Police, Marion County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency as well as the Salem Fire Protection District and ambulance personnel were on the scene and had the road blocked. Tow trucks arrived on the scene around 10:45.

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