Truck driver hospitalized after being attacked at Effingham truck stop

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND) — A Rockford-area truck driver was airlifted to the hospital over the weekend following a physical altercation at an Effingham truck stop, according to police and his employer.

Officers from the Effingham Police Department and deputies from the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident at the Travel Centers of America on W. Evergreen Avenue around 1:25 a.m. Saturday.

First responders rendered medical aid to the victim at the scene. He was first taken by ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham before being airlifted to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana for further treatment.

While police declined to release the victim's identity, his employer, Rockford-based Meiborg Companies, identified him on social media as Corey Clayton. According to the company, Clayton was returning to Rockford with a load when he was the victim of a "senseless and violent attack."

"Corey is more than a truck driver. He is a valued member of our Meiborg family, a hardworking professional, and someone who has always been there for others," Meiborg Companies shared on Facebook. "No one should have to endure violence simply for doing their job."

The company is currently asking the public to support Clayton and his family during his recovery by starting a GoFundMe page.

Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis stated that investigators are taking the incident very seriously and are actively pursuing leads.

"Our thoughts are with the victim, and we certainly wish them well as they recover," Davis said. "Our investigators will continue to vigorously pursue this case and take appropriate action based on the facts and evidence developed."

Authorities emphasized that the altercation appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Effingham Police Department.