A quiet Tuesday morning turned into a nightmare for the Riverton community when 37‑year‑old Jennifer Damm and her 8‑year‑old daughter Kendyn died in a crash on Interstate 55 just south of Springfield. The collision happened around 6:40 a.m. near milepost 92, close to the split with Interstate 72 as the morning commute was beginning, according to the Illinois State Police.
Police say the passenger car carrying the mother and daughter struck the back of a semi‑truck in the southbound lanes. Emergency crews arrived quickly to a scene that was chaotic and heartbreaking. Both Jennifer and Kendyn were pronounced dead at the scene from blunt force injuries, the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office confirmed.
The state police closed part of Interstate 55 for several hours as investigators combed the area for evidence and worked to clear wreckage. Traffic was rerouted off the highway, causing delays for drivers trying to make their way through the region. Officials have not yet released details on weather, vehicle speed, or other factors that may have played a role in the crash.
Word of the deaths spread quickly through the North Mac Community Unit School District, where little Kendyn was a student. In a statement, district leaders described her as a joyful presence, well‑liked by classmates and teachers alike. They announced that counselors would be available for students and staff as they cope with the sudden loss.
Friends and neighbors gathered around the Damm family, offering support and sharing memories of a mother and daughter taken far too soon. For many in Riverton and beyond, the shock has been profound, with local residents placing flowers and notes near the school where Kendyn played and learned.
The semitruck driver has not been publicly identified, and authorities say no other injuries have been reported from the crash. The Illinois State Police continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward. Traffic safety officials remind drivers to stay alert, especially during early morning hours when visibility and driver attention can both be challenged.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of Jennifer and Kendyn, remembering them not just as victims of a crash, but as loved daughter, mother, friend, and classmate. Their names will remain in the hearts of those who knew them long after the highway reopens to daily traffic.
