Paris Man Dies After Early Morning Vehicle-Pedestrian Crash; Investigation Underway
Authorities have released additional information regarding a fatal vehicle-pedestrian crash that claimed the life of a Paris, Illinois, man early Sunday morning. The incident remains under active investigation by local law enforcement and the Edgar County Coroner’s Office.
According to Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett, emergency dispatchers received a call at approximately 1:27 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, reporting that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle on Main Street (Illinois Route 1) near Roberts Street in Paris. The report prompted an immediate response from multiple emergency agencies.
Personnel from the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department, Paris Police Department, Horizon Health Ambulance Service, Paris Fire Department, and the Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit all responded to the scene to provide emergency assistance, secure the area, and begin the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Preliminary findings indicate that a 2013 Lincoln sedan, driven by a resident of Vermilion County, Illinois, was traveling northbound on Main Street when it encountered a pedestrian who was in the middle of the roadway near Roberts Street. The vehicle struck the pedestrian, resulting in critical injuries.
The victim has been identified as Jason A. Lister, 43, of Paris. Emergency medical personnel transported Lister to the emergency department at Horizon Health Paris Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts.
Coroner Barrett announced that an autopsy has been scheduled for Monday afternoon in Springfield, Illinois. The examination will be conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Nate Patterson as part of the ongoing death investigation. The autopsy findings, along with toxicology results and other evidence collected during the investigation, are expected to help determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Investigators continue working to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. The Illinois State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is assisting with documenting the scene, examining physical evidence, and analyzing factors that may have contributed to the incident. Authorities have not released additional information regarding the driver or indicated whether any charges or citations are anticipated at this stage of the investigation.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that all available evidence, including witness statements, roadway conditions, and vehicle data, will be carefully reviewed before any final conclusions are reached.
The sudden loss of Jason A. Lister has deeply saddened his family, friends, and the Paris community. As loved ones mourn his passing, many are remembering him while awaiting answers about the tragic circumstances that led to his death.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Paris Police Department. Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses.
