A quiet Thursday afternoon in Woodford County turned heartbreaking when a Bloomington man lost his life in a two‑vehicle crash on Interstate 39. Around 12:05 p.m. on January 29, local law enforcement and first responders were called to the southbound lanes just north of El Paso after a white SUV collided with the rear of a slow‑moving semi hauling an oversize load.
The victim was identified as 37‑year‑old Steven Porter of Bloomington. He was behind the wheel of the SUV that struck the trailer and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 1 p.m., according to the Woodford County Coroner’s Office. Friends and family are left to grapple with the sudden loss of a life cut far too short.
The Woodford County Sheriff’s Office says the semi was traveling at a reduced speed because of its oversized cargo when Porter’s vehicle plowed into the back of it in the southbound roadway. The force of the collision was severe enough that emergency crews pronounced Porter deceased before they could get him to a hospital.
Traffic on I‑39 was temporarily shut down between mile markers 14 and 22 as crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the scene. Drivers were diverted onto nearby routes while authorities pieced together the moments leading up to the crash.
Officials from the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office, the Coroner’s Office, and the Illinois State Police are continuing to investigate. They want to determine whether speed, visibility, road conditions, or the nature of the oversized load played a role in the deadly impact.
Porter’s family, friends and the wider Bloomington community have been left in shock. He was remembered as someone who brought energy and connection to those he knew, a presence that will be deeply missed at gatherings and everyday moments alike. Community members have shared thoughts and prayers as they try to make sense of the sudden tragedy that unfolded on one of the region’s busiest highways.
The crash serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change on the open road, especially where heavy vehicles and highway traffic mix. As investigators continue their work, loved ones will be focused on honoring Porter’s memory and supporting each other through a truly difficult time.
