A driver in a fatal two-vehicle wreck Sunday night on Interstate 80 in Grundy County has been arrested on a charge of driving while under the influence.

Jean C. D. Wilson, 20, of Morris, was arrested Monday on two charges of aggravated driving under the influence causing death, according to the Illinois State Police. Investigators said he was intoxicated at the time of the crash that killed Brandon E. Heard, 43, of River Grove, and seriously injured another man.

Wilson likely will need to seek the services of a drunk driving attorney.

Troopers said Wilson was parked on the side of Interstate 80 westbound near Brisbin Road at 11:55 p.m. Sunday when he attempted to merge into traffic. Wilson’s vehicle was struck from behind by a semi-tractor trailer operated by Heard, according to authorities.

Heard was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck by emergency medical personnel. Wilson suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

A press release issued by the Illinois State Police after the wreck said Wilson’s passenger, Jesse M. Smith, 25, of Morris, also was killed in the wreck. However, updated information released Tuesday described Smith as being in critical condition at an area hospital.

The Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office filed two felony charges against Wilson. He made an initial court appearance Tuesday, and his bond was set at $500,000.

If Wilson would like to have his bond amount reduced, he will need to have a drunk driving attorney file a motion on his behalf.

Disclaimer: The Accident News article you just read includes information obtained from numerous sources. These sources include, but are not limited to, websites and press releases from law enforcement, the county coroner, fire departments, and other news outlets. While we strive to provide readers with the most accurate information, sometimes the information received is not entirely accurate. For complete details, please refer to an official police report.

The articles published contain sensitive subject matter that may be hard to read by some. We understand that losing a loved one is hard and devastating. Accident News’s decision to share the stories is to help others who may be facing the same situations by providing appropriate resources to the general public.

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