EFFINGHAM, IL — A two-vehicle, fatal crash occurred early Sunday morning on U.S. Highway 40 near Effingham. 29-year-old Alyssa Rhodes of Charleston was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Mara Ferguson, also of Charleston.

The Illinois State Police say Ferguson’s car was struck head-on by 33-year-old Andrew Welter of Altamont after he crossed over the centerline heading west. Ferguson was eastbound on Highway 40. Welter was cited for DUI of Alcohol, Improper Lane Usage, and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid A Crash.

Rhodes was pronounced dead at the scene. Welter and Ferguson were taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred near 900th Street along Highway 40.