Illinois State Police Trooper Gerald Ellis is being remembered by many as he passed away on March 30 in a wrong-way car collision. Dan Davies, the man responsible for the collision, has been proven to be driving with a blood-alcohol level above legal limits. Davies did not own a drivers license in the state of Illinois and was convicted of multiple DUIs. While entering Interstate 94, Davies hit Ellis head on in the crash. Both sustained many injuries during the crash and Ellis’ proved fatal. Ellis was an Antioch resident, married with two young daughters. He was known for his humor and unwavering compassion.

Claims have been made that Ellis purposefully drove in front of other vehicles to save them from the collision, but that has not yet been confirmed by police.

To honor Ellis, a funeral procession was held on April 5. Thousands of troopers, family members and friends gathered at the College of Lake County and followed in the funeral procession to his home in Antioch. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also attended the procession. Although a tragedy, family members of Ellis have taken to Facebook to thank the community of Antioch and everyone who attended for their support.