On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the Pittsfield, Illinois community was devastated by the tragic loss of two high school students, Jesse Davidsmeyer and Joel Noble, in a fatal car accident in Morgan County. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. Route 67 and Woodson Winchester Road, when the vehicle carrying the students was involved in a two-vehicle collision. Both Jesse and Joel were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others sustained injuries, with two in critical condition and airlifted to regional hospitals.
Jesse Davidsmeyer, 18, was a senior at Pittsfield High School and a respected member of the community. Known for his bright spirit, discipline, and compassion, Jesse was actively involved in school sports and academics. He planned to study engineering after graduation. He is survived by his parents, Mark and Lora Davidsmeyer, his younger sister Emma, and his grandparents James and Carol Davidsmeyer of Jacksonville and Ronald and Linda Miller of Quincy.
Joel Noble, 17, was a junior at Pittsfield High School, remembered for his humility, hard work, and thoughtfulness. Active in school clubs, Joel aspired to a future in graphic design. He is survived by his parents, David and Angela Noble, his brothers Micah and Brayden, and his grandparents John and Patricia Noble of Barry and Eugene and Karen Wallace of Pittsfield.
The Pikeland Community Unit School District 10 Superintendent, Todd Fox, expressed the community’s grief, stating, “As a school and community, we are in absolute shock and overwhelmed with grief.” He announced that counseling and additional resources would be available for students, staff, and community members in need.
This tragedy follows a similar incident earlier in the year, when Pikeland High School freshman and basketball player Reese Brielle Ramsey died in a head-on collision on Illinois Route 106 in Pike County.
In response to the recent accident, a “Prayer Night” was scheduled at the Pittsfield High School football field on Sunday evening to honor the lives of Jesse and Joel and to support the grieving community.
The Illinois State Police and the Morgan County Coroner’s Office are actively investigating the crash. As the community mourns, support and prayers continue to pour in for the families of Jesse and Joel, as well as for the injured students still recovering.
