Kankakee Co. Corrections Officer, 22, And St. Anne Woman, 21, Killed When Car Hits Tree: Coroner

MOMENCE, IL — A Kankakee County Corrections officer with the agency for just over a year died in a single-vehicle crash Sunday morning in Momence, the Sheriff's Office said. A woman in the vehicle also died, and two other occupants sustained serious injuries, they said.

Emergency personnel responded Sunday at 2 a.m. to the area of Maple and Washington Street for a single-vehicle crash involving a vehicle that struck a tree. Police said that two occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

Kankakee County Coroner Robert Gessner identified them as Luis Barrera, 22, of Momence, and Alani Camargo, 21, of St. Anne. Barrera was the driver and Camargo a backseat passenger, Gessner said.

Two additional occupants were transported to the hospital in critical condition, with one being airlifted from the scene for emergency medical treatment, Momence police said.

Barrera had worked with Kankakee County since February 2025, and also was a member of the Armed Forces, the agency said, "demonstrating a lifelong commitment to serving others and his community.

"This is a tremendous loss for our agency and for all who know Officer Barrera," said Sheriff Mike Downey. "We ask that you keep Officer Barrera’s family, friends, coworkers, and all those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

The crash remains under investigation.