University of Illinois Wrestler Francis Edelen Killed In I-57 Hit-And-Run Crash

Illinois State Police say they are seeking the person or persons responsible for a hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of promising U of I wrestler, Francis Edelen. He was 21.

Francis, from Manhattan Illinois, was traveling on Interstate 57 southbound near Rantoul when the crash occurred, Wednesday evening.

Edelen was a University of Illinois student and wrestler. TheCount.com found the following photos of the popular young man via his public social media page.

ISP responded to the crash just after 9:30 p.m. According to the preliminary crash report, two vehicles crashed. Police say when they arrived at the scene they found that the driver of one of the vehicles left the scene of the crash on foot. They believe he was attempting to flag down help or get a ride. A short distance south of the first crash, the pedestrian, Edelen, was hit and killed by an unknown vehicle in the right lane of traffic. The vehicle that hit Edelen left the scene. source

Our hearts go out to the family and friends at this time.