A quiet Wednesday evening in the heart of central Illinois ended in devastating loss for the family of Rodney Arbuckle, age 57, of Normal. The man was struck and killed while walking on Veterans Parkway in Bloomington, according to the McLean County Coroner’s Office. His name was released on Friday by Coroner Kathy Yoder, whose office says Arbuckle died from head injuries in the crash.
According to preliminary autopsy findings, Arbuckle sustained fatal head trauma after being struck by a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at 7:50 p.m. at the emergency department of OSF St. Joseph Medical Center.
Law enforcement’s initial account indicates the collision happened on Veterans Parkway between Oakland Avenue and Lincoln Street — a stretch of roadway that lacks a crosswalk or intersection. Bloomington police confirmed that Arbuckle was walking in the roadway at the time of the impact.
Police Chief Jamal Simington said that investigations are still ongoing, with the Bloomington Police Department, McLean County’s Accident Reconstruction Team and the coroner’s office all involved. He emphasized the challenges in nighttime incidents, noting that darkness may limit drivers’ ability to see pedestrians in time to yield or stop.
“Fatal crashes are preventable,” the chief said in a prepared statement, stressing that both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for safe practices. “Let’s all do our part to improve roadway safety in our community so lives won’t be lost.”
The department has appealed to the public for any information that could help with the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant footage—especially from nearby homes or businesses—has been asked to contact Officer Jeff Linden at (309) 820‑8888.
As the case unfolds, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a routine walk along the roadway can turn fatal. The loss of Mr. Arbuckle is felt deeply by the community and underscores the ongoing need to evaluate safety measures on busy roads, especially in areas where pedestrians and vehicles share space without clearly marked crossings.
