FREEPORT — Illinois authorities are investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident that happened Wednesday just outside of Freeport.

According to the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office, at about 11:52 a.m. on May 6, emergency personnel responded to the area of Ill. Route 75, approximately one-half mile east of E. Winneshiek Road in rural Stephenson County, for a report of a two-vehicle traffic crash. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased adult male.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Ill. Route 75 when it was involved in a head-on collision with a black sedan traveling westbound. Based on witness statements and evidence observed at the scene, investigators believe the black sedan may have crossed into the eastbound lane of travel prior to the crash.

The driver of the semi-truck, a 57-year-old male, was transported by Tri-District Ambulance to Mercyhealth Hospital-Freeport with non-life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Dakota Fire Protection District, Tri-District Ambulance Service, Stephenson County Coroner’s Office, Illinois State Police Troop 1, and the Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit.