A tragic car accident claimed the life of 27-year-old Chakquia Echols of Normal, Illinois, following a collision on Sunday, November 3, near Fox Creek Road and Beich Road in Bloomington. The incident occurred shortly before 8 p.m. when Bloomington police responded to a severe two-vehicle crash at the intersection.
Initial reports reveal that Echols was a restrained passenger in a westbound sedan when it collided with an eastbound vehicle. She was transported to Carle BroMenn Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 8:33 p.m. The McLean County Coroner’s preliminary autopsy findings attribute her death to multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash. Toxicology results are pending to further clarify the details of the incident.
The driver of the westbound sedan, identified as 25-year-old Michael C. Mitchell of Bloomington, allegedly abandoned the scene and was later located at a nearby apartment complex. He was arrested and taken into custody at the McLean County Detention Facility. Mitchell faces multiple charges, including reckless homicide, failure to report an accident involving death, and driving on a revoked license. He is also charged with unlawful use of a weapon, as he was reportedly in possession of firearms at the time of his arrest.
Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington expressed condolences to Echols’ family, stating, “It is unfortunate our community lost a life in a preventable crash. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family of Ms. Echols. The Bloomington Police Department will continue to prioritize traffic safety and work to deter dangerous driving behavior in our city.”