OGLE COUNTY – A GoFundMe page has been started for the members of a family injured in a head on collision that also killed an Ogle County Sheriff’s Department officer on July 28.
Randall L. Hilliard, 50, from Byron, a lieutenant with the sheriff's department, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened at about 1:27 a.m. on IL Route 72 and Oak Court. He was off duty at the time of the collision.
Hilliard was driving a 2003 Dodge pickup east on IL Route 72 when his vehicle apparently crossed the center line and struck a 2007 Jeep SUV driven by Rick A. Sgro, 51, of Oregon. Also in the Jeep were Allison R. Sgro, 24, from Mount Morris, Abigail E. Sgro, 20, from Mount Morris and Daniel W. Merritt, 20, from Gering, Neb.
Rick is Allison and Abigail’s uncle.
All members of the Sgro family were transported to SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford. Merritt was transported to Mercyhealth Hospital in Rockford.
Abigail and Merritt were both released from the hospital. Both are active duty members of the U.S. Air Force.
Rick and Allison suffered more severe injuries, according to Stephanie Haugh, a family spokesperson. She said Rick Sgro suffered broken bones, including his wrist, from which he could have a permanent loss of mobility.
Allison suffered severe internal injuries and a broken back. It is too early to tell how badly injured her back is, Haugh said.
“It’s going to be a long road for both of them,” she said.
The GoFundMe page, which is raising money to benefit the family members who will be out of work for some time, had raised more than $6,200 of the $10,000 goal by the middle of the week.
Also, Game Day Apparel in Oregon is selling Sgro Strong shirts, with a portion of the profits going to help the family.
Haugh said that the Sgro family is also praying for the Hilliard family during this difficult time.
“The Sgro family feels very blessed from all of the love and support from everyone,” she said.
Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle released the following statement on the department's Facebook page: “It is with deep regret and profound sadness I wish to inform you of the passing of Lt. Randy Hilliard. Randy passed away this morning from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident while off duty on IL Rt 72 just outside of Byron.
“Randy began his career with the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office on February 6, 1991 as a Correctional Officer. He was promoted to Sergeant and later Lieutenant holding many different positions within the Office. Randy will be deeply missed by his family at the Sheriff’s Office but more importantly his family at home. I would ask during this very difficult time you keep Randy’s wife, children, parents and siblings in your thoughts and prayers.
“The occupants of the second vehicle were extended members of the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. Again, please keep the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office family, Hilliard family and Sgro family in your thoughts and prayers.”
The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit responded to the scene and the crash investigation is on-going. ISP was assisted on the scene by the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office, Ogle County Coroner’s Office, Byron Fire/EMS, Stillman Valley Fire/EMS and Maggio’s Towing.
