ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Winnebago County community is mourning the loss of 49-year-old Bradley Acaley, of Mount Morris, who tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle rollover crash early Saturday morning, November 1, 2025, near South Main and Prairie Road.
According to authorities, emergency crews from the Blackhawk and New Milford Fire Departments were dispatched to the scene around 2:30 a.m. after reports of a crash with a person trapped inside the vehicle. When first responders arrived, they discovered the wrecked car approximately 85 feet off the roadway, an indication of the violent impact that had occurred.
Firefighters worked quickly to extricate Acaley from the vehicle. Despite their efforts to save him, officials confirmed that he had suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office later determined that his cause of death was blunt trauma to the head.
The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office reported that around 2:08 a.m., Acaley had been traveling southbound on Prairie Road when, for reasons still under investigation, he lost control of the vehicle. The car left the roadway, eventually coming to rest near the intersection of South Main and Prairie Road. Authorities said Acaley was the only occupant of the vehicle, and no other cars were involved in the crash.
The crash prompted a large emergency response and resulted in temporary road closures as officials conducted an on-site investigation. Crews remained at the scene for several hours, reconstructing the events leading up to the fatal accident.
The tragic loss of Bradley Acaley has left family, friends, and community members grieving deeply. Known for his friendly nature and strong work ethic, Acaley was a devoted family man and friend to many. Those close to him remember his warm smile, his willingness to help others, and the joy he brought to every gathering.
His passing is a somber reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly tragedy can strike. Community members have expressed their condolences and are rallying around the Acaley family, offering prayers and support as they navigate this difficult time.
Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash, though weather and road conditions are often factors in early morning accidents. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has urged drivers to use caution when traveling, especially during overnight hours when visibility is reduced.
As friends and loved ones remember Bradley Acaley, they celebrate his life and the positive impact he made on those around him. He will be remembered not for the way he left this world, but for the kindness, love, and light he shared during his 49 years.
May Bradley Acaley rest in peace, his memory forever cherished by those who knew and loved him.
