Auto accident on Humbert Rd. kills young couple

An automobile accident took the lives of a young Godfrey, Illinois, couple on Sunday December 20. Nicole and Chad Thorpe, both 27, and parents to a young two year old son, were tragically killed on Humbert road near Richland Woods Dr.. It appeared their 2007 Ford Edge ran off the road, struck a tree and flipped over. Sheriff’s Deputies said the vehicle was engulfed in flames when they arrived on the scene.

What caused the vehicle to swerve off the road is still unknown. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation into the possible cause. Both occupants suffered severe burns and were identified by dental records Monday. The coroner stated both victims died from smoke inhalation.

The car apparently was traveling north on Humbert Road and drove off the east side of the road before striking the tree. At this point, there is no evidence or report as to why the vehicle caught on fire. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), there were an average of 356,000 vehicle fires and 512 civilian deaths reported between 1998 and 2002. Per the NFPA report, 3 out of every 5 passenger road vehicle fire deaths occurred in fires caused by collisions or overturns.

No one can prepare for the loss of a friend or family member. In some cases, victims are entitled to compensation and don’t even know it. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious or even fatal traffic accident, the attorneys at WWF&G can help. Contact us at (618) 462-1077, 603 Henry St. Alton Illinois. Attorneys Licensed in Missouri and Illinois.