EAST PEORIA, IL, (April 02, 2026) – Ryan G. Smith, 42, of Peoria, died after being struck by a vehicle Thursday night in East Peoria, according to the Peoria County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities said the crash occurred around 8 p.m. on Route 116 near the Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino. Smith was transported to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center, where he later succumbed to blunt force trauma injuries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Despite legal protections, pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable road users. Every day, serious injuries and fatalities occur when drivers are distracted, impaired, or fail to follow traffic rules.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), an estimated 212 pedestrians died on Illinois roadways in 2024, representing an increase of about 8 percent from the previous year.
“Having the right resources is essential in investigating pedestrian accidents and establishing negligence,” said Candice Bond, an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all factors that must be carefully reviewed,” added Bond, Managing Partner with Bond Legal.
“In some cases, accident reconstruction teams are necessary to determine exactly what happened. These efforts are critical in helping clients recover compensation for damages or losses,” said Bond, a national legal analyst with Accident Injury News.
“It is generally a driver’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. The family of Ryan Smith may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim.
“Families of wrongful death victims may seek compensation for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress,” Formica said.
An attorney can act as an advocate, helping families navigate this difficult time while protecting their rights.
“Insurance companies often attempt to pressure victims into accepting quick settlements that are far below the true value of a claim,” Formica added. “An attorney will work to ensure fair treatment and proper compensation.”
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal pedestrian accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
If you or a family member were injured or have lost a loved one in an accident and would like the official Accident Report, Bond Legal can offer their assistance.
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