© 2025 Peoria Public Radio
A joint service of Bradley University and Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Police say alcohol, speed, and lighting weren't factors in crash that killed 18-year-old Dunlap senior

A police car's lights, which are on. The text "WCBU Police and Fire" are laid on top of that photo.

Peoria Police say lighting, speed, or alcohol weren't contributing factors in the May 4 crash that killed 18-year-old Nevaeh Mitchell of Princeville.

The collision happened around 11:30 p.m. in the 8400 block of North Orange Prairie Road. The crash report obtained by WCBU states a 2012 Ford Fusion driven by a 25-year-old Wyoming man was headed south in the northbound lane when it hit Mitchell's 2012 Nissan Versa head-on. Supplemental reports aren't available.

Nevaeh Mitchell
Haskell Funeral and Cremation Services
Nevaeh Mitchell

Mitchell was pronounced dead on the scene. She died just two weeks before her graduation from Dunlap High School.

The Stark County man suffered serious injuries in the crash and was released from the hospital on May 14.

Police said toxicology results are expected back in late June to early July. Those tests will determine if drugs or other intoxicating compounds were a factor in the crash, police said.

Any traffic or criminal charges will be filed after the investigation is completed, police said.

The case has led to rampant speculation on social media and multiple media reports over the past month as police have remained quiet on the investigation's progress.

Police publicly released the Wyoming man's name on Thursday, an unusual step for someone not yet charged with a crime. WCBU will not name the man pending the filing of formal charges in keeping with our public safety reporting policy.

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.