Who was Chance Karnes? Herrin high school ex-quarterback, 20, killed in two-car crash in Illinois
A 20-year-old man was killed in a car accident while serving as a groomsman at a wedding in Southern Illinois on Saturday, May 14. Chance Karnes was traveling in a Ford Bronco on Illinois Route 3 south of Red Bud, Illinois with the newlyweds and other members of the wedding party when they were struck by a Chevy pickup at the Old Route 3 crossroads. Except for Karnes, who was thrown from the vehicle and killed at the scene, everyone in the Bronco was hurt but is expected to survive. Ryan, 25, and Ally Fithian,22, who had gotten married hours before, were among the travelers as was Chance's girlfriend, Destiny Gillihan, 20, of Batesville, Arkansas. Ryan was driving the car at the time of the crash and the group was heading to a reception. Rhonda Schaefer, 57, the driver of the Chevy pickup, had minor injuries and was sent to a local hospital.
Jason, Karnes’s father, told WSIL, "[He was] a handsome young man with beautiful blue eyes. He was an old soul.[He] went to shows all over the Midwest and Oklahoma, Texas. [He] enjoyed that closed cowboy family that he was in." Karnes’s mother also described him as a tough football player. He not only played quarterback, but also defensive back and punter. He had a great relationship with his father, Jason Karnes, who also happened to be his head coach. Horses were his true love. He rode every day, according to his mother Brandi Karnes. Brandi's son Karnes had turned 20 a day before his death.
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Kevin Dunaway, his former teacher, also paid homage by saying, “He's going to be greatly missed. This is just one of those terrible, terrible accidents, that you question. But you just can't replace those individuals. He had leadership and stepped up to those responsibilities. The way he conducted himself. On the athletic field, in the classroom, in the shop. He's just one of those people you can't help but like." Karnes, according to Dunaway, was an apprentice in a construction program. In the year 2020, he graduated from Herrin High School in Williamson County. In Chance's honor, a memorial scholarship will be launched, Dunaway added. Chance was a three-year varsity quarterback for the Tigers, leading them to the playoffs in two of the three years. The Honorable Mention All-State signal caller was effective at running the ball as much as he was throwing it.
Friends and family members of Karnes shared some of his photographs on Facebook as they remembered the life he led. Brenda Triplett shared on Facebook: "This is where a cowboy rides away....God you received such a beautiful amazing soul... 20 yrs old....such a wonderful young man..... I am so sorry...We are praying for all of your loved ones & friends & community....Chance Karnes you have no idea the impact you made in this world.... such a loving bright funny dedicated family member & friend & legend to everyone you ever met.... you knew no strangers..... you are loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing you through this journey we call life.... gone way to soon....."
The accident is still under investigation. Meanwhile, the Ranch Sorting National Championships stated on their official Facebook, “A tragic loss of a great cowboy. The Ranch Sorting community is blessed to have gotten to know Chance. He and his contagious smile will be greatly missed.” The post also added that “A shop from his hometown is producing apparel with his brand for purchase. The proceeds will go to help fund funeral arrangements, and we think this is a great way to keep his legacy alive. We provided the link below. But above all else, please pray for all involved in the accident, and all of his loved ones. ✞ Rest easy cowboy.” After graduating high school, Karnes traveled throughout the country and competed in many rodeos and even gave bull riding a go, but it was horsemanship where he excelled.