An Illinois State Police trooper based in Pontiac has died from injuries he suffered in a crash near a construction zone on I-74 near Farmer City.

State Police Director Leo Schmitz confirmed late Wednesday night that Trooper Ryan Albin was pronounced dead a little more than five-hours after his squad car collided with a semi in the westbound lanes of I-74 near the 155 milepost. 

In a news release, Schmitz said Trooper Albin joined State Police in January 2006.  Albin was assigned as the canine officer for District 6 State Police in Pontiac, a district that includes McLean County.  

Police said Albin’s canine partner, Biko, was in the rear of the squad car and suffered only minor injuries. 

State Police said a preliminary investigation indicated the squad car and the semi were in traffic that had slowed or had come to a stop as they approached a merge area near a construction zone.    

Police said the 47-year old semi driver, from Normal, and his 38-year old male passenger from Bloomington, refused medical treatment.

Westbound I-74 was shutdown for about four hours after the accident, which happened about 3:10 Wednesday afternoon. 

This story was submitted to us by WJBC’s Howard Packowitz.