A fatal collision on the morning of January 6, 2026, resulted in the deaths of Jennifer Damm, age thirty-seven, and her eight-year-old daughter, Kendyn, residents of Riverton, Illinois.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. on southbound Interstate 55 near its junction with Interstate 72 outside Springfield, when the vehicle they occupied collided with the rear section of a tractor-trailer.Both individuals succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries at the location, a loss that has generated profound distress within the Riverton area and neighboring communities.
Jennifer’s existence was primarily focused on her familial role, directing consistent affection and steadfast commitment toward nurturing her daughter within their supportive local environment. Her approach to motherhood reflected a resilient and caring disposition, establishing a domestic atmosphere of security and affection where her child could thrive.
Kendyn, a pupil in the third grade at North Mac Intermediate School in the Girard vicinity, was recalled for an exceptionally upbeat and amiable nature. She cultivated numerous peer relationships in the academic setting, where her positive demeanor made a durable impression on fellow students and educators.
The accident initiated an extensive response from Illinois State Police and emergency personnel, necessitating a prolonged closure of the interstate for investigative and recovery operations. Initial reports confirm the collision as a rear-end impact, though a comprehensive examination by law enforcement and the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office remains in progress. This event constitutes a second significant tragedy for the North Mac school district in a short period, intensifying the collective mourning across the region.
In response, the community has mobilized in solidarity, assembling at the school to deposit floral tributes and exchange recollections honoring both lives. Support personnel were provided to assist students and faculty navigating this period of acute grief. This collective demonstration mirrors the meaningful connections Jennifer and Kendyn maintained with neighbors, friends, and extended family, some of whom have shared photographic mementos and written homages.