Clinton Man Killed in Possible Truck-Related Accident in Champaign

A 61-year-old Clinton man was killed in an apparent truck accident outside the Plastipak Packaging plant on West Clark Street in Champaign Wednesday.

The Champaign County Coroner's office says independent truck driver Jimmy E. Hovis was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 10:30 Wednesday morning. An autopsy will be held Thursday.

Champaign Police say Hovis was found lying injured on the ground. Preliminary reports suggest he may have been hit by his own semi truck, which was found running, with the gears hifted in reverse. Police are still investigating the matter.