Funeral services set for mother and her 10-year-old son killed in St. Clair County crash

The visitation and funeral services for a Lebanon woman and her 10-year-old son killed in a head-on crash have been announced by Nordike Funeral Home of New Baden

Ashley N. Emmerich Koehler, 37, and Jacob Lee Emmerich-Tomlin, both of Lebanon, died as a result of a head-on crash on U.S. 50 near Clinton County Line Road in St. Clair County Monday night, according to information from their obituaries and authorities. A third person, Blaise Nowak, 21, of Trenton, also died in the crash and a fourth was injured, authorities said.

Illinois State Police said the crash is under investigation.

Jacob was a fourth-grader at Lebanon Elementary School, according to his obituary.

“Jacob was more than just a student; he was a joyful and energetic young boy who loved fishing, riding four-wheelers and bicycles, and immersing himself in video games, particularly Fortnite,” his obituary states. “His curiosity often led him to work with tools, finding joy in building and creating. Jacob’s laughter and humor brought light to those around him, embodying the characteristics of a true jokester.”

Koehler was a direct support professional at Clinton Manor in New Baden.

“Ashley was known for her unwavering dedication to her children, Natalie, Alexis, Jace, Jacob and Gracie, who were the cornerstones of her life as well as her step-son, Benjamin,” her obituary states. She married Jeffrey Koehler on Jan. 27.

The visitation for Jacob and Ashley Koehler will be 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Nordike Funeral Home at 15 E. Hanover St. in New Baden.

The funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Greenmount Cemetery in New Baden.

A GoFundMe fundraising page has been established for Jacob, Koehler and their family.

This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 6:59 PM.