A 40-year-old Marion man, Seth Roberts, died Wednesday following a workplace accident during a road resurfacing project in rural Jackson County, Illinois.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 12:58 p.m. on July 8, 2026, to a report of an injured road worker on Koehn Road near Ava.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation found that Illini Asphalt was working on resurfacing Koehn Road using an oil and chip seal process when Roberts was standing on an aggregate spreader box. Investigators said Roberts fell from the equipment and became pinned beneath the spreader box, suffering life-threatening injuries.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene and provided assistance. Roberts was transported by the Jackson County Ambulance Service to a local hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he later died from injuries sustained in the workplace accident.
The Ava Fire Department, Campbell Hill Fire Department, Jackson County Ambulance Service, and Illinois State Police also responded to assist at the scene.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Officials have not released additional details as they work to determine exactly what led to the fatal incident.
The death of Seth Roberts has left his family, friends, coworkers, and the community mourning the loss of a life taken far too soon. Loved ones are remembering him and the impact he made while his family faces this heartbreaking time.
