Perry Lee Urbana, III Death and Obituary – On the early morning of December 20, 2025, 22-year-old Perry Lee of Urbana lost his life in a devastating hit-and-run accident near the University of Illinois campus. The incident occurred at approximately 2:13 a.m. at the intersection of Green Street and Mathews Avenue, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising urgent concerns about pedestrian safety.
According to reports from the University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD), a red Buick Verano was traveling at high speed in the wrong direction on Mathews Avenue, a designated one-way street. The vehicle collided with a UIPD squad car patrolling eastbound on Green Street. The force of the impact caused the Buick to spin off the roadway and onto the sidewalk, striking Perry Lee and leaving him critically injured.
Lee had been standing with a group of five friends, preparing to cross the street, when the vehicle struck him. Emergency responders transported him to Carle Hospital, where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead at 9:44 a.m. The UIPD officer involved sustained minor injuries and was treated and released.
Authorities confirmed that the driver of the red Buick fled the scene on foot immediately following the crash. As of the latest updates, the suspect has not yet been apprehended. The Urbana Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit is leading the investigation, with support from the University of Illinois Police and the Illinois State Police. Officials are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or its driver to come forward.
The tragic death of Perry Lee has prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and the wider Urbana community. University of Illinois officials have also expressed their condolences, highlighting the importance of road safety, particularly in areas surrounding campus where pedestrians are frequently present.
Community leaders are calling for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies. Local authorities are reviewing measures such as additional street lighting, traffic cameras, and pedestrian safety signage to reduce the risk of accidents in high-traffic areas.
Perry Lee is remembered as a vibrant young man whose life was tragically cut short. Family members and friends have planned a memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy, encouraging the community to come together in support during this difficult time.
