Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal traffic crash in Jefferson County.

On Thursday August 4th around 1:30pm, a Black Mercedes Benz traveling northbound on Interstate 57 left the roadway and traveled into the median.  

The driver of the Mercedes, 61 year old Irving Wright of South Holland, IL. struck an embankment and then struck a trailer. 

Wright was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger, 53 year old Sherice Wright of South Holland, IL. was airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the trailer, 40 year old Michael Mckimmons of Van Buren, AR. refused medical attention.

The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation.