MONROE COUNTY, IL — A tragic accident claimed the life of a local man on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025, when a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle (UTV) veered off a rural road in Monroe County. Authorities are actively investigating the fatal crash, which occurred at approximately 4:17 PM near 1482 Carr Road, just outside of Prairie Du Rocher.
Deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, along with Monroe County EMS and local first responders, were dispatched to the scene following a report of a single-vehicle crash involving a UTV. Upon their arrival, responders discovered a 2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 that had left the roadway and overturned near a culvert. The sole occupant of the vehicle, 64-year-old Randall Brunkhorst of Ruma, Illinois, was found unresponsive and not breathing.
Bystanders at the scene had already begun performing CPR on Mr. Brunkhorst before emergency personnel arrived. Monroe County EMS quickly took over and implemented advanced life-saving measures. Despite their determined efforts, Mr. Brunkhorst was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Preliminary findings from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department suggest that a witness, who had been driving behind the UTV, saw the vehicle suddenly leave the road. Investigators believe Mr. Brunkhorst may have suffered a medical emergency moments before the UTV exited the roadway, collided with a culvert, and overturned.
The exact cause of the incident has not yet been officially determined, and the case remains under active investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities are expected to await the results of an autopsy and possible toxicology reports to further clarify the circumstances that led to the crash.
“This is a deeply unfortunate event, and our thoughts are with Mr. Brunkhorst’s family and friends during this difficult time,” said Sergeant Justin Biggs of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department in an official statement.
Randall Brunkhorst was a resident of the small Monroe County community of Ruma. His sudden passing has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew him. Friends and neighbors remember him as a kind-hearted man who was active in the local community and known for his warm, down-to-earth personality.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the crash or Mr. Brunkhorst’s condition leading up to the incident to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department continues to handle the investigation with sensitivity and thoroughness, ensuring all possible factors are considered. No further information has been released at this time.
Respectfully,
Sergeant Justin Biggs
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
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