South Cook News

State Senator John Curran expressed his condolences to those who knew Illinois State Police (ISP) Trooper Corey S. Thompsen in an October 18 Facebook post, stating, "My prayers are with Trooper Thompson’s family, loved ones and brothers and sisters at the Illinois State Police."

"My prayers are with Trooper Thompson's family, loved ones and brothers and sisters at the Illinois State Police," said John F. Curran, according to Facebook.

According to a shared Facebook post from the Illinois State Police, Curran relayed details of the incident involving ISP Trooper Corey S. Thompsen. "It is with a heavy heart and immeasurable sadness that we announce the death of Illinois State Police Trooper Corey S. Thompsen," the post said. On October 18, 2024, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Trooper Thompsen was involved in a two-vehicle crash on East Leverett Road at County Road 1300E in Champaign County. The details of the crash remain under investigation. Thompsen was taken to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at 4:32 p.m.

Screenshot of Sen. John F. Curran's Oct. 18 Facebook post | Senator John Curran Facebook page

WCIA reported that as Thompsen concluded a traffic enforcement detail as part of a motorcycle patrol, he was struck at the intersection of Leverett Road in Champaign County on October 18, at approximately 3:42 p.m. He was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital, where he later died. Helen Torres, aged 32, stopped at the intersection and pulled into the roadway, striking Thompsen. She was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

"This is a sad moment. We are hurting," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly in an October 19 report from ABC7. "Corey's brothers and sisters in motor enforcement, Special Operation Group, Troop 7, patrol, the Zone, Vermilion Metropolitan Enforcement Group, and across ISP are hurting. Corey's family is hurting badly today." Kelly added that this is the first trooper he personally administered the oath of an ISP officer to whom he has lost in a line-of-duty death.

The report also noted that Thompsen is survived by his wife Chelsea; his mother and father Susan and Steve; and his brothers.

Curran has represented residents of Illinois' 41st District since 2017. He previously served three terms on the DuPage County Board and held the position of Vice Chairman of the Board. Additionally, he worked in the Cook County Attorney’s Office for 19 years during the 1990s.