The Will County Coroner has confirmed that Jose A. Perez, 21, of Shorewood, Illinois, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle accident on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The crash occurred in the early morning hours on Interstate 55 in Troy Township, near Joliet.
Incident Details
Time and Location: The accident happened before sunrise on Sunday morning along the southbound lanes of I-55 near Black Road.
The Vehicles: Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 3 responded to reports of a three-vehicle crash.
The Outcome: Jose Perez was pronounced dead at the scene by the Will County Coroner’s Office. One other person involved in the crash was transported to a local hospital with injuries; their current condition has not been released.
Traffic Impact: Southbound I-55 was completely shut down for several hours while state police reconstructed the scene. Traffic was diverted at U.S. Route 30 until the lanes were reopened at approximately 11:20 a.m.
Current Investigation
The Illinois State Police are leading the active investigation into the cause of the collision. As of Wednesday, April 29, authorities have not yet released specific details regarding which vehicle initiated the crash or if factors like speed or weather played a role.
Remembering Jose A. Perez
Jose was a resident of the Village of Shorewood. As news of his passing spreads through the local community:
Community Mourning: Friends and family have begun sharing tributes online, remembering him as a vibrant young man with his whole life ahead of him.
Service Information: Formal obituary details and funeral arrangements are being finalized. Local residents often look to providers like the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home for upcoming service notices in the Shorewood and Joliet area.
