Panel Rejects Illinois Trooper’s Workers’ Comp Appeal

A former Illinois State Police trooper whose 2007 high-speed crash killed two sisters has logged another setback in his quest for workers’ compensation benefits for injuries he received in the wreck.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission has rejected Matt Mitchell’s appeal of an arbitrator’s earlier finding that he shouldn’t get the benefits.

Mitchell was driving more than 100 mph and using his cellphone on Interstate 64 in southwestern Illinois when his cruiser crossed the median and slammed into a car. Two Collinsville sisters in that car were killed.

Mitchell later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide charges and was sentenced to 30 months of probation as part of a deal with prosecutors.

The commission ruled Mitchell’s conduct constituted a substantial, unjustifiable risk.