Fairbury lost a long-time local Friday morning when 66-year-old John C. Traub died in a two-vehicle collision just west of Cullom. The news spread quickly across Livingston County as friends and neighbors learned about the sudden crash along Route 116.
Traub was out on the road early, behind the wheel of his Ford Ranger pickup. He was driving northbound on 3300 East Road around 7:30 a.m., moving through the quiet farmland of Sullivan Township.
As Traub reached the intersection at Route 116, his pickup pulled out into the path of an oncoming eastbound semi tractor-trailer. Witnesses at the scene reported that the small truck entered the highway directly in front of the heavy rig.
The impact pushed Traub’s Ford Ranger off the roadway, sending it into a south ditch just east of the crossroad. Emergency responders from Cullom and Saunemin rushed to the location shortly after callers reported the wreck.
Livingston County Coroner Michael E. Renner arrived at the crash site and pronounced Traub dead where his truck came to a stop. Coroner officials confirmed an autopsy would be scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the semi tractor-trailer walked away from the heavy collision without any injuries. Local law enforcement did not immediately release details regarding the identity of the truck driver.
For those living around Fairbury, Traub was a familiar face whose sudden absence leaves a quiet void. Family members and close friends now face the sudden, difficult task of adjusting to life without him.
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