Memorial service set for man killed in triple fatality crash in St. Clair County

A visitation and memorial service have been set for a Trenton man killed in a head-on crash that left three people dead in St. Clair County.

Blaise Edward Gage Nowak, 21, died as a result of a crash on U.S. 50 near Clinton County Line Road Monday night, according to information from his obituary and authorities. Two others, Ashley N. Emmerich Koehler, 37, and her 10-year-old son, Jacob Lee Emmerich-Tomlin, both of Lebanon, also died as a result of the crash. A fourth person was injured, authorities said.

Illinois State Police said the crash is under investigation.

Nowak was a “dedicated laborer” and a member of Faith Church in Fairview Heights, according to his obituary posted by Moss Funeral Home of Breese. “A true jack of all trades, Blaise loved people, never met a stranger and was always eager to lend a helping hand.

“He found joy in golfing, listening to music, hiking and cave explorations — always seeking adventure and embracing life’s experiences with enthusiasm,” the obituary states.

The visitation for Nowak will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at Faith Church at 50 Ludwig Drive in Fairview Heights.

The memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at Faith Church.

Services for Koehler and Jacob were previously announced by Nordike Funeral Home of New Baden.

The visitation for them 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 their family.

This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM.