In Loving Memory of Devin T. Cepaitis and Elizabeth J. Voelkel: A Tragic Loss on Illinois Route 15
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 8:34 p.m., a tragic two-vehicle head-on collision occurred on Illinois Route 15, approximately four miles east of Nashville, Illinois. The crash resulted in the loss of two young lives and left others seriously injured. The victims were 21-year-old Devin T. Cepaitis of Nashville and 20-year-old Elizabeth J. Voelkel, also of Nashville. This devastating accident has left a community in mourning as they try to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss of two promising young lives.
A Heartbreaking Scene
At 8:34 p.m., local emergency responders were dispatched to the scene of the crash. Upon arrival, first responders found the aftermath of a catastrophic collision between two vehicles. Devin Cepaitis, a young man with a bright future, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at 8:47 p.m. by Washington County Coroner Mark Styninger. Devin’s death was immediate and devastating for his family, friends, and community. A beloved son, friend, and sibling, Devin’s passing has left a void that can never be filled.
At the time of the crash, a female passenger, whose identity has not been released, was found in critical condition. She was airlifted from the scene to a hospital in St. Louis, where she was treated for major injuries. The severity of her injuries has yet to be fully disclosed, but her survival is a testament to the quick and efficient response from emergency medical teams at the scene.
As the scene unfolded, Coroner Styninger was later dispatched to the Washington County Hospital emergency room, where another devastating announcement was made. Elizabeth Voelkel, the driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash, was pronounced dead at 9:00 p.m. by hospital staff. Elizabeth was 20 years old and had been wearing her seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to initial reports.
Her death, only 23 minutes after the announcement of Devin’s passing, compounded the sorrow and left her family and the entire community of Nashville in profound grief. Elizabeth, like Devin, was known for her kindness, her smile, and her commitment to her friends and family. A young woman with so much promise, Elizabeth’s life was tragically cut short in an instant, and her loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew her.
In addition to Elizabeth, there was a male passenger in her vehicle who also sustained significant injuries. He was transported to Washington County Hospital for medical treatment, though the details of his condition remain unclear. His survival is a small piece of solace amid the overwhelming tragedy, but his journey to recovery will be a long and challenging one.
The Impact on Family, Friends, and the Community
Devin and Elizabeth’s passing is an incalculable loss to their families, friends, and the wider community of Nashville. The two young individuals had many years ahead of them, dreams they were working to fulfill, and relationships that they were building. Their sudden deaths have left those who loved them in shock, struggling to make sense of what has happened.
Devin Cepaitis was a beloved young man in Nashville, known for his warmth, humor, and ability to brighten the room with his presence. His family, friends, and loved ones remember him for the love he gave so freely, his loyalty, and the joy he brought into their lives. Devin’s untimely death has shattered his family, and the grief is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Elizabeth Voelkel, too, was a cherished young woman, full of life, kindness, and promise. Her family recalls her as a caring individual who always put others first, and as someone with a heart full of compassion. Elizabeth’s passing leaves a deep and painful void, particularly for her parents, siblings, and close friends, who now must face life without her.
The community of Nashville, a small town where everyone knows each other, is reeling from the loss of these two young souls. In such tight-knit communities, the loss of a single person is felt by many, but the passing of two beloved young people in such a tragic manner is overwhelming. In the days following the crash, many have come together to offer their support to the families affected and to mourn the loss of these two young lives.
Investigating the Crash
The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. As of now, the details surrounding the crash remain unclear, and investigators are working diligently to determine what caused the collision. The vehicles involved in the crash were both severely damaged, and the exact sequence of events leading to the head-on collision is still being reconstructed.
In the early stages of the investigation, toxicology samples were taken by Coroner Mark Styninger for routine testing, and results are still pending. Investigators are looking into factors such as speed, road conditions, and whether any external factors, such as distracted driving or impairment, played a role in the crash. The ongoing investigation is expected to provide more clarity in the coming days, but for now, the primary focus is on supporting the families affected and ensuring that justice is served.
A Long Road to Healing
For the families of Devin Cepaitis and Elizabeth Voelkel, the grief of losing their children so suddenly will be an incredibly long and difficult journey. The pain of knowing that they will never again hear their loved ones’ voices, see their faces, or feel their warmth is a burden that cannot be easily carried. In the midst of this devastation, their families and friends are leaning on one another for strength and support.
While there are no answers yet regarding the cause of the crash, the love and memories that remain will provide a measure of comfort. The lives of both Devin and Elizabeth were filled with promise, and though they were cut short far too soon, their legacies will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.
Community Support
The Nashville community has already begun to rally around the families of Devin and Elizabeth, offering support through fundraisers, memorial services, and countless other acts of kindness. These gestures, while small, remind those grieving that they are not alone in their sorrow. The outpouring of support is a testament to the love and affection the people of Nashville have for each other, particularly in times of hardship.
Local organizations and churches have planned memorial services to honor the lives of Devin and Elizabeth, where friends and family can come together to remember the young lives that were so tragically taken. In these gatherings, the memories of Devin’s infectious laughter, Elizabeth’s caring nature, and their shared moments with those who loved them will be cherished forever.
A Final Farewell
At this time, the families and loved ones of Devin T. Cepaitis and Elizabeth J. Voelkel are navigating their grief, struggling to make sense of the unthinkable loss of two young lives. While answers are still being sought, the memories of these two individuals—full of life, love, and potential—will never fade.
Their passing serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change. The families of Devin and Elizabeth are in the hearts and prayers of many, and as the investigation continues, we remember them for who they were: bright, kind, and full of promise.
Rest in peace, Devin T. Cepaitis and Elizabeth J. Voelkel. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.