Wednesday's wintery weather claimed the life of 45 year old Illinois man after his semi was struck in a head-on collision, east of Goodland. The Newton County Sheriff's Office reports they were called to the area of County Road 600 East, at approximately 2:40 that afternoon. An investigation determined that 73 year old Richard J. Grammer of Carbondale, Illinois, was heading east on U.S. 24, when due to blowing snow, his vehicle crossed the centerline into the westbound lane and struck a semi driven by 45 year old Ronnie Woodby of Milford, Illinois. Authorities report Woodby was ejected from his semi due to the collision, and both men were transported to the Jasper County Hospital in Rensselaer, where Woodby later died as the result of his injuries. Grammer reportedly suffered a broken leg and contusions, and the incident remains under investigation.

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